Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, announced that her Healthy Living Initiative will partner with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) to promote HIV awareness and control across the state.
She made the commitment on Saturday while hosting officials of ANSACA at her office in Awka.
The visit followed reports ranking Anambra fifth among Nigerian states with the highest number of people living with HIV.
She stated that the state’s current HIV rate calls for urgent, coordinated action to reduce the burden.
“I have confidence in ANSACA’s capacity to lead HIV prevention, control, and public education programs across communities in the state.
“Healthy Living Initiative will support efforts to strengthen HIV awareness, testing, and response in Anambra,” she said.
She praised the agency’s efforts against the spread of HIV and expressed hope that continued initiatives would quickly lower prevalence rates.
Soludo also ordered that 10 women living with HIV be included in her NGO’s next empowerment program.
She reaffirmed her commitment to partnering with ANSACA to end the virus.
Earlier, ANSACA Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the agency has a strategic plan aligned with the state government’s vision.
He disclosed that Anambra’s HIV prevalence is currently at 2.4 percent, above the national average of 2.1 percent, making it the highest in the Southeast and fifth highest nationwide.
Okeke emphasized that the situation requires stronger interventions, increased public enlightenment, and wider access to testing and treatment.
“Plans are underway to establish the Anambra State HIV Research Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“The proposed center will advance HIV research, prevention, and control efforts in the state,” he said.
He added that ANSACA is currently conducting free “moonlight” HIV testing in communities and remains committed to reducing prevalence through sustained awareness and treatment.
