By Chinedum Treasure
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has urged residents to disregard unverified HIV statistics circulating on social media and rely only on information from official health authorities.
Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said HIV figures should be interpreted carefully because confirmed cases depend on the scale and coverage of testing.
He said the state has expanded community-based HIV testing through initiatives such as the Moonlight Testing Programme, which operates in identified hotspots to provide testing, counselling, free condoms and linkage to treatment for those who test positive.
Okeke noted that HIV testing is also conducted in markets, religious centres and communities across the state, stressing that all test results remain confidential and protected by ethical and legal standards.
He added that organisations planning HIV-related programmes in government institutions or public facilities must obtain approval from ANSACA or the State Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with national guidelines.
The ANSACA boss identified young people as a key target for HIV prevention, calling for stronger parental involvement, school-based education and sustained awareness campaigns to reduce new infections.
He expressed confidence that expanded testing, early diagnosis and treatment, alongside public awareness, would strengthen efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat in Anambra.
Tags: ANSACA, HIV, Anambra, Public Health, Awareness
