By Obianuju Isima
A respected stakeholder and legal practitioner, Hon. Barr. Iyke Ezeibenne, Ugobelenobi Aguata, has commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for strengthening the state’s response to HIV through renewed prevention, testing and community based awareness initiatives.
Ezeibenne made the commendation on Sept. 1 when he hosted the Executive Director/Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, and members of his team at his residence in Ngozika Estate, Awka.
He expressed appreciation for ANSACA’s efforts to bring HIV information and services closer to residents, particularly young people, women and other populations that may face barriers to accessing prevention and testing services.
Ezeibenne commended Governor Soludo for creating opportunities for young professionals to contribute to public service, describing the progress at ANSACA as an indication of what capable and committed leadership can achieve when given the opportunity to serve.
He pledged his support for ANSACA, expressing readiness to collaborate with the agency to extend HIV awareness and testing services to Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area(LGA), identifing young people, women, schools, markets, motor parks and other grassroots groups as key areas for possible collaboration.
During the engagement, Dr. Okeke presented an overview of ANSACA’s State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan (SSTSP) 2026–2028, highlighting ongoing interventions designed to reduce new HIV infections, expanding access to services and strengthening community participation in the state’s HIV response.
He thanked Ezeibenne for his hospitality and support, noting that meaningful progress in the HIV response requires sustained collaboration among government, communities, individuals, civil society and other stakeholders.
ANSACA boss described the meeting as a positive demonstration of growing stakeholder support for the state’s health agenda, encouraging more Ndi Anambra to partner with ANSACA in taking accurate HIV information, testing and prevention services to communities.
The visit concluded with an informal interaction and dinner hosted by Ezeibenne, providing an opportunity for further engagement on ways to strengthen community ownership of HIV prevention and awareness efforts.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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#HIVprevention
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#endHIVstigma
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#HIVawareness
#solutionishere
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