By Obianuju Isima
Anambra State has taken a fresh step towards closing gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services with the inauguration of a State Key Population Advisory Committee, designed to bring health authorities, security agencies and affected communities to the same table.
The initiative, led by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI), was inaugurated on Sept. 15 during a community dialogue at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo.
The event brought together representatives of security agencies, health institutions, government bodies, community organisations and key population networks to discuss practical ways of improving access to HIV services and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
The advisory committee is expected to serve as a structured platform for dialogue and coordination, particularly in addressing barriers that may prevent vulnerable populations from accessing HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and harm-reduction services.
Speaking at the event, ANSACA Executive Director/Project Manager, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the initiative aligns with the commitment of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to a progressive, evidence-driven and solution-oriented HIV response.
Okeke stressed that the focus was public health and saving lives, rather than promoting any particular lifestyle.
“This is not about promoting anyone’s lifestyle. It is about preventing HIV infections, keeping people on treatment, protecting public health and saving lives,” he said.
He urged security agencies to deepen their understanding of the public health dimensions of HIV interventions, while encouraging health institutions to appreciate the security environment and key population communities to recognise their responsibilities in supporting the response.
“ANSACA will continue to provide the platform for these interests to work together. We cannot end AIDS by leaving populations most vulnerable to HIV behind,” Okeke said.
He advised members of the committee to conduct their responsibilities with professionalism, confidentiality and mutual respect, noting that the state’s goal remains Zero New HIV Infections by 2030.
The committee’s inauguration underscores the need for sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities and development partners to ensure that barriers to HIV services are identified and addressed, while strengthening Anambra’s broader response to the epidemic.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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