By Uzo Ugwunze
Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has inaugurated 42 coordinators under the Healthy Living HIV Control Initiative (HLHCI) across the state’s 21 local government areas to strengthen HIV awareness and response at the grassroots.
Speaking at the inauguration in Awka, Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, emphasized the importance of HIV testing, treatment, and ending stigma against people living with HIV.
Okeke disclosed that Anambra has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the South-East at 2.4 percent and is ranked fifth nationally. He said the initiative aligns with the state’s target of achieving zero new HIV infections by 2030.
According to him, the programme integrates HIV control activities into the existing Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo grassroots structure to deepen awareness and improve access to testing and care.
Representing Mrs. Soludo, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, urged residents to take advantage of free HIV testing and health insurance coverage available to people living with HIV through the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).
He also announced that Anambra is among eight states participating in a pilot programme for a new HIV preventive injection, which will be provided free of charge when fully rolled out.
The event featured the signing of a Zero New HIV Infection by 2030 Commitment Charter, oath-taking by the coordinators, and goodwill messages from development partners including WHO and UNICEF.
Tags:
Anambra, Nonye Soludo, HIV/AIDS, ANSACA, Healthy Living Initiative, HIV Prevention, Afam Obidike, Nkem Okeke, ASHIA, WHO, UNICEF, Public Health, Anambra State Government, Zero HIV Infection 2030, Health Awareness.
