By Obianuju Isima
The transformation of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is being viewed as part of a broader governance approach that sees public health as essential to human capital development and economic growth.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke said that while HIV agencies in Nigeria traditionally focused on awareness campaigns, treatment coordination, and donor-supported programmes, the Soludo administration is repositioning ANSACA as a strategic institution connected to workforce development and social stability.
According to him, sustainable development cannot be achieved if a large part of the population is weakened by preventable diseases, stigma, or poor healthcare systems.
Dr Okeke noted that HIV/AIDS affects health, education, family stability, and labour productivity, making prevention and treatment critical to the state’s development goals.
He said the agency has expanded its activities beyond hospital-based programmes into schools, tertiary institutions, youth advocacy, and behavioural change campaigns.
Its recent collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, he added, is aimed at promoting health awareness among young people and future leaders.
The Executive Director explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s human capital-focused governance model, which links healthcare, education, and social welfare to economic transformation.
He also described ANSACA’s anti-stigma campaigns as important in reducing discrimination against persons living with HIV, which often contributes to unemployment, social exclusion, and mental health challenges.
Dr Okeke said youth protection remains a major focus of the agency, stressing that safeguarding young people from HIV infections, substance abuse, and risky behaviours is important for the state’s future workforce.
He added that the agency’s partnerships with international organisations, donor agencies, civil society groups, and educational institutions have strengthened its capacity and public health interventions in Anambra.
According to him, the Soludo administration now sees ANSACA not only as an HIV response agency, but also as a key institution for public health, youth development, and long-term economic sustainability.
He maintained that a healthy population remains the foundation of a prosperous society.
Isima is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
