The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has called for stronger collaboration with private-sector organisations to expand HIV prevention, testing and treatment services across the state.
The agency made the appeal during an advocacy visit to JNC International Limited (JNCI) in Abuja, where officials from both organisations discussed opportunities for strengthening community-based HIV interventions and improving access to healthcare.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, who led the delegation, said; “private-sector involvement had become increasingly important as changes in international health financing continued to affect donor-supported programmes.”
Okeke said the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, was committed to developing a healthcare system capable of responding effectively to both existing and emerging public health challenges.
She said sustainable partnerships would be critical to achieving Anambra’s goal of eliminating new HIV infections by 2030.
“Our priority is to move faster towards zero new HIV infections by 2030 by expanding prevention, testing and treatment through partnerships that can be sustained over time,” Okeke said.
She explained that ANSACA was also promoting an integrated approach to community healthcare by combining HIV services with health education, screening and referrals for other medical conditions.
According to her, the approach would help maximise available resources while bringing essential health services closer to people, particularly those living in underserved communities.
The meeting also considered possible cooperation in areas including community HIV outreach, integrated testing, diagnostic supplies, technical assistance, health-worker training and capacity building.
The ANSACA delegation included Barr. Onochie Kingsley, Adinma Onochie, Technical Lead, National Committee on Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Certification, and Medical Laboratory Scientist, Igwe Ogbonna.
The delegation was received by Mrs. Esther Herbert-Ndumele, Business Manager, Project Sales and Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Tests, JNC International Limited, and Mrs. Lara Lawal, Head of Special Projects and Governmental Affairs.
The two organisations agreed to maintain technical discussions and develop practical interventions that could improve HIV prevention, testing and treatment outcomes in communities across Anambra.
In a separate statement following the engagement, JNC International Limited pledged continued support for community-focused healthcare initiatives through partnerships with government agencies and public health institutions.
The company said its contribution would include diagnostic solutions, technical expertise and capacity-building support aimed at strengthening disease prevention and expanding access to quality healthcare services.
The company added that stronger partnerships among public institutions, private organisations and communities remained essential to achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
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