By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, with young people at the centre of the state’s response.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, represented by Mr. Cyril Ifeanyi Okedinachi, said this on Aug. 12 at an event marking the 2026 International Youth Day at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Conference Hall.
The event, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” provided an opportunity to review progress in HIV response, examine challenges and strengthen strategies for improving access to services among young people.
Okedinachi acknowledged the contributions of the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alongside development and implementing partners, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders.
He particularly appreciated Governor Soludo for his continued support for healthcare and HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, noting that sustained government commitment is critical to achieving Zero New HIV Infections by 2030.
ANSACA noted that while expanding HIV services in health facilities remains important, access can still be affected by stigma, distance, inadequate information and concerns about confidentiality.
To address these barriers, the agency is taking HIV information and services closer to communities while strengthening youth-focused interventions in schools, tertiary institutions and other settings where young people can be reached.
The agency is working with traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups, recognising that ending HIV requires a coordinated community response.
A key message from ANSACA is that HIV is not a death sentence. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and adherence to medication, people living with HIV can live healthy and productive lives.
On prevention, the agency continues to promote evidence-based measures, including regular HIV testing, correct and consistent condom use and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for eligible individuals.
ANSACA is also exploring digital platforms and telehealth approaches to help young people access reliable information and connect with appropriate HIV services.
For those who test positive, the agency emphasised the importance of prompt linkage to treatment and continued support. Effective HIV treatment can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, preventing sexual transmission when the viral load remains undetectable, in line with U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
The agency urged stakeholders to involve young people in designing HIV programmes, stressing that their experiences and perspectives are essential to creating services they can trust and use.
ANSACA called for sustained collaboration among government, communities, development partners, health facilities, traditional institutions and young people to strengthen the state’s HIV response and accelerate progress towards ending HIV as a public health threat.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
