By Ukpa Ewa
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has strengthened collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) following a strategic advocacy visit to the NACA Secretariat in Abuja on May 6, 2026 by the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke .
Dr. Okeke was received by the Director of Community Prevention and Care Services at NACA, Dr. James Anenih, who represented the Director General of the agency, alongside Dr. Sam Anya of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
The visit officially introduced Dr. Okeke as the new head of ANSACA and provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening technical partnerships and aligning Anambra State HIV response with national prevention priorities.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Okeke outlined his administration vision of expanding HIV awareness, prevention and testing services to grassroots communities across the 21 local government areas of the state.
He stressed the need for targeted interventions for key and vulnerable populations, data driven programming and increased community participation to reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress toward epidemic control.
Responding, Dr. Anenih commended the Anambra State Government and ANSACA leadership for what he described as a proactive and strategic approach to HIV prevention and control.
According to him, the state response aligns with Nigeria emerging HIV prevention priorities and national efforts aimed at reducing new infections and improving access to care services.
He further said that Anambra State is being considered as one of the pilot states for the implementation of the national prevention plan, citing the state commitment, strategic positioning and readiness to drive innovative community based interventions.
Also speaking, Dr. Sam Anya of UNAIDS, emphasized the importance of multi sectoral approach in addressing HIV/AIDS, stressing the need for collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners.
He noted that such collaboration remains critical to achieving the “One Strategy” framework designed to harmonise national and sub national HIV responses for greater efficiency and measurable impact.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal presentation of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030) to the Executive Director of ANSACA, while the visit is expected to further strengthen federal-state collaboration and enhance coordinated HIV prevention efforts in Anambra State and across the country, as health experts continue to encourage members of the public to know their HIV status, access testing services and adopt healthy preventive measures.
Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
