The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) is strengthening collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to expand HIV prevention education, testing awareness and community mobilisation across the state, with the aim of strengthening community-level efforts in Nigeria’s HIV response.
The collaboration is expected to improve access to accurate HIV information, encourage prevention and early testing, promote treatment uptake and adherence, as well as address stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
The development highlights the importance of linking public health agencies with community-based communication structures to ensure that HIV prevention and treatment information reaches people beyond formal healthcare settings.
It also underscores the role of sustained public education in Nigeria’s HIV response, particularly in promoting early testing, treatment access and adherence, while countering misinformation and stigma that can discourage people from seeking services.
The collaboration was discussed when the NOA Anambra State Directorate, led by its State Director, Lady Ifeoma Chijioke, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, at the agency’s office.
Okeke said “effective public enlightenment was critical to reducing new HIV infections, promoting regular testing and improving treatment uptake, while correcting misconceptions that fuel stigma and discrimination.”
He said; “NOA’s extensive grassroots network could provide an effective channel for delivering accurate and practical HIV information to communities and key groups, including people in markets, schools, workplaces and religious institutions.”
According to him, reaching people through community-based information platforms would complement existing health services and encourage individuals to seek HIV prevention, testing and treatment services promptly.
The agencies discussed areas of collaboration, including public sensitisation, community mobilisation, promotion of HIV testing and prevention services, stigma reduction and treatment adherence.
They also considered developing clear and culturally appropriate messages capable of reaching communities at the grassroots and encouraging informed health-seeking behaviour.
Okeke said! “the proposed collaboration aligns with the Anambra State Government’s focus on preventive healthcare, partnerships and community-driven development, as well as ANSACA’s 2026–2028 State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan.’
Chijioke expressed NOA’s readiness to work with ANSACA to strengthen sustained public education and behavioural change communication on HIV and other public health priorities.
The partnership brings together ANSACA’s HIV programme expertise and NOA’s grassroots communication reach, creating an opportunity to strengthen community engagement around prevention, testing, treatment and stigma reduction.
Both agencies said combining their institutional strengths and grassroots structures would help improve access to reliable HIV information and services and promote a more supportive environment for people living with HIV.
They stressed the importance of ensuring that residents can access HIV prevention, testing and treatment services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Victoria Ibanga
