By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has intensified efforts to prevent and manage Hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) through a two day capacity building training focused on improving screening, diagnosis, treatment and referral services.
The training, held on Oct. 19 and 20 at Dannic Hotel, Enugu, brought together health stakeholders from Anambra, Ebonyi and Rivers states to strengthen service delivery through Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSP) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Participants received practical guidance on clinical management, laboratory procedures, infection prevention, medical supply management, safe healthcare waste disposal and referral coordination. The training also emphasised the need to protect patients’ confidentiality and dignity while ensuring access to healthcare without stigma or discrimination.
Representatives of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) contributed to discussions on Nigeria’s HIV and viral hepatitis burden, prevention strategies and clinical management.
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, while Hepatitis C is curable in most cases with appropriate treatment. Early testing and timely medical care are essential to preventing serious liver complications.
Anambra State’s delegation included representatives of ANSACA, the State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), OSS and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nigeria Initiative (AHNi).
The training reinforces ANSACA’s commitment to strengthening healthcare workers’ capacity, integrating HIV and viral hepatitis services, and expanding access to quality, stigma-free healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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