ANSACA UNVEILS NEW HIV STRATEGY, EXPANDS COMMUNITY TESTING TO BENEFIT NDI ANAMBRA. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

 ANSACA Unveils New HIV Strategy, Expands Community Testing to Benefit Ndi Anambra

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unveiled a comprehensive new strategy aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment and community engagement across the state, a move expected to significantly improve public health outcomes for residents.

The initiative is part of the Soludo administration's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and align Anambra's HIV response with Nigeria's National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030). The strategy focuses on expanding awareness campaigns, prevention programmes and testing services to communities across the state's 21 Local Government Areas.

Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the agency is prioritising grassroots interventions, data-driven programmes and active community participation to reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress towards ending the epidemic in Anambra State.

According to him, the Soludo administration has continued to support initiatives that improve access to healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations, while promoting preventive measures and public health awareness across communities.

A major highlight of the new approach is Anambra's selection as a pilot state for the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030). The development is expected to attract additional technical support, funding opportunities and innovative healthcare interventions that will strengthen the state's response to HIV.

ANSACA has also intensified efforts to improve HIV surveillance and testing through its participation in the 2026 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Study (IBBSS). The study is expected to generate critical data that will help health authorities identify service gaps, target vulnerable populations more effectively and enhance evidence-based decision-making.

In a further boost to HIV prevention efforts, the Soludo administration recently commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention. Administered just twice a year and offered free of charge at designated health facilities, the drug is expected to improve adherence to preventive treatment and reduce the risk of new infections among vulnerable groups.

The agency has also expanded collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University to promote HIV awareness, research, testing and healthcare support. Discussions are ongoing on the possibility of establishing a dedicated HIV research institute that would advance research and innovation in the fight against the disease.

Dr. Okeke described these developments as important milestones in strengthening healthcare delivery, reducing HIV transmission, and ensuring wider access to testing, treatment and preventive services for residents.

With the new strategy and expanded community-based interventions championed by the Soludo administration through ANSACA, Anambra is positioning itself to make significant progress in HIV prevention and control while improving the overall wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.