By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has continued efforts to strengthen HIV response initiatives in tertiary institutions across Anambra State with a high-level advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).
The delegation, led by the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hillary Nkem Okeke was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bond Anyaehie alongside the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji.
The advocacy visit follows the recent inauguration of the Action Committee established to coordinate and implement HIV response activities across tertiary institutions in the state, in line with the agency’s State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan (SSTSP) 2026–2028.
During the engagement, both parties explored strategic areas of collaboration aimed at institutionalizing HIV prevention, awareness, testing, care, and support services within the university system. Discussions also focused on the need for youth-friendly and sustainable interventions that would improve awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance access to HIV-related services among students and staff.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Okeke noted that tertiary institutions remain critical platforms for achieving the state’s HIV response targets, particularly among young people, reiterating ANSACA’s commitment to building strong partnerships with academic institutions to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University serves as the agency’s first point of engagement in the renewed advocacy campaign, with plans underway to extend similar high-level visits to other tertiary institutions across Anambra State in the coming weeks.
The initiative, according to the agency, is part of ongoing efforts to support the achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and end AIDS as a public health threat through strategic, inclusive, and institution-driven interventions.
Obianuju is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
