The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has unveiled a comprehensive campaign aimed at eliminating new HIV infections in the state by 2030, reinforcing efforts to expand prevention, testing and treatment services.
The initiative, known as the Healthy Living HIV Control Initiative (HLHCI), was officially launched in Awka by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
The event also featured the inauguration of 42 HIV control coordinators drawn from the state’s 21 local government areas and the endorsement of a commitment charter focused on achieving zero new HIV infections by the end of the decade.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the First Lady said the programme would deepen public awareness, encourage routine HIV testing and improve access to healthcare services at the community level.
She explained that the campaign had been incorporated into her Healthy Living Initiative to maximize its reach across communities in the state.
According to Soludo, more than 11,000 people living with HIV have been enrolled in the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) programme and currently benefit from free healthcare services supported by the Global Fund.
“Achieving zero new HIV infections requires collective action, increased awareness and access to quality healthcare services for every resident,” she stated.
The First Lady encouraged residents to take advantage of available HIV testing and treatment programmes while assuring them of the government’s continued commitment to supporting affected individuals.
She also urged the newly appointed coordinators to carry out their responsibilities diligently and uphold strict confidentiality when handling the personal health information of people living with HIV.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director and Programme Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the campaign was designed to accelerate progress in reducing HIV transmission across the state.
He disclosed that Anambra currently records the highest HIV prevalence rate in the South-East and ranks fifth nationally, with a prevalence rate of 2.4 percent.
Okeke explained that the state’s HIV response strategy includes extensive awareness campaigns, free testing and counselling services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, distribution of preventive materials and support programmes for people living with HIV.
He also explained that Anambra has aligned its interventions with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and developed a strategic roadmap aimed at eliminating new HIV infections by 2030.
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The ANSACA boss further revealed that Anambra is among eight states selected for a pilot programme involving a new HIV prevention injection, which will be offered free of charge once implementation begins.
To improve the welfare of people living with HIV, he announced plans to establish a skills acquisition centre that will provide economic empowerment opportunities and help combat stigma and discrimination.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, described the initiative as an important step towards correcting misconceptions about HIV and encouraging more people to seek testing and treatment without fear.
Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) also reaffirmed their support for the campaign, stressing the need for sustained awareness, healthy lifestyles and expanded healthcare access to achieve the state’s HIV reduction goals.
The campaign is expected to strengthen community participation in HIV prevention efforts and move Anambra closer to its target of ending new infections by 2030.
