Anambra State AIDS Control Agency

Stay Informed with ANSACA!

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) invites the public to read, download and subscribe to its Newsletter for the latest updates, activities, health information and developments in the state’s HIV response.

Read & Download: ansaca.org/newsletters/ANSACA-NEWSLETTER
Subscribe: ansaca.org/subscribe.phpTelehealth

Stay informed. Stay protected. Together, we can move towards an AIDS-free Anambra.

ANSACA, ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY SIGN LANDMARK MOU TO EXPAND HEALTHY WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE ACROSS ANAMBRA

By Ejike Immaculata

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the Anambra State Ministry of Environment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Healthy Workplace Compliance and promote safer, healthier and more productive workplaces across Anambra State.

The partnership will integrate workplace health interventions with environmental compliance, bringing disease prevention, health education, screening, early detection and appropriate referral services closer to workers across the state.

Under the collaboration, the Healthy Workplace Compliance initiative will progressively cover eating joints and food vendors within markets, standalone restaurants and bukas, abattoirs and slaughter slabs, hotels, barbing salons, spas, hairdressing salons and other workplaces across Anambra State.

Speaking during the signing, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, described the MOU as an important milestone in the State Government’s drive to build healthy and productive workplaces.

According to Dr. Okeke, the collaboration will strengthen workplace health education and screening for conditions including HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis, while ensuring appropriate referrals where necessary.

He commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for providing the leadership and enabling environment for initiatives that promote the health, safety and productivity of workers across the state.

Dr. Okeke also appreciated the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, the management and staff of the Ministry of Environment, and the ANSACA team for their commitment to the partnership.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, emphasised the importance of collaboration between environmental and public health authorities, noting that combining their expertise would strengthen workplace standards and contribute to healthier environments for workers and the public.

The MOU marks another important step in ANSACA’s efforts to take HIV prevention, testing, health education and integrated screening services closer to people where they live and work, while supporting the State Government’s vision for a healthier and more productive Anambra.

SOLUDO’S HEALTHY WORKPLACE DRIVE: ANSACA EXPANDS FREE HEALTH SERVICES TO NWOKE UDI

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has extended its Healthy Workplace Compliance Initiative to Nwoke Udi Palmwine Bar, Awka, providing workers with free HIV counselling and testing alongside other integrated preventive health services.

The outreach, held on September 25, featured HIV testing and counselling, hepatitis B and C screening, tuberculosis and malaria screening, health education, preventive counselling and referral services.

The initiative aligns with the workplace health drive of the Anambra State Government under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, aimed at promoting a healthier and more productive workforce across the state.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said taking preventive healthcare directly to workplaces removes barriers to accessing essential services and encourages early detection and timely referral.

“A healthy workplace contributes to a productive workforce. Our goal is to bring HIV prevention, testing and other essential health services closer to people where they work, while promoting a culture of prevention and regular health checks,” Dr. Okeke said.

The health education session addressed HIV prevention, abstinence, safer s*xual practices and the correct and consistent use of male and female condoms. Workers were encouraged to know their HIV status, with those who test positive linked to appropriate care and treatment, while those who test negative receive guidance on remaining HIV-negative.

A major component of the programme is the Healthy Workplace Compliance Certification, which recognises workplaces that participate in ANSACA’s workplace health process and demonstrate commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Dr. Okeke explained that the certification goes beyond a one-day outreach, as it seeks to encourage organisations to make workforce health, HIV awareness, prevention and access to appropriate services part of their workplace culture.

ANSACA has already extended the initiative to Chiben Leisure Hotel and Naira Rice, with plans to reach water factories, hospitality establishments, industries and other workplaces across Anambra State.

The agency is also strengthening inter-agency collaboration to expand the programme, including engagement with the Anambra State Ministry of Environment to complement environmental compliance efforts with workplace health interventions.

Dr. Okeke called on businesses and organisations across the state to embrace the initiative, assuring that ANSACA would continue taking free HIV prevention, testing, health education, screening and referral services closer to workers and communities.

The initiative forms part of ANSACA’s broader drive to strengthen HIV prevention and contribute towards the goal of Zero New HIV Infections in Anambra State by 2030.

Obianuju Isima writes from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).

HIV no be somethin wey suppose make man dey fear. Sometimes, as you get legit intel first, you don quick guide your bodi from nyama nyama.

Person gatz sabi as HIV dey take move enta prsn bodi and as e fit take prevent am.

You suppose run HIV test for your bodi make you sabi your status. If to say e get as bodi dey do you, no waste time at all, meet dockee quick make e fit see as e go take help.

You sef, as dockee dey reason you weti to do, make you do am complete

Plus say, if na your manchi dem get HIV- No b time to dey judge them abi look dem one kind, na to quick use love dey reason with dem.

People wey get HIV fit live healthy am correct life if dem fit see correct support plus ogbonge treatment.

ANSACA UNVEILS MAIDEN NEWSLETTER, TELEHEALTH SERVICE TO STRENGTHEN HIV RESPONSE IN ANAMBRA

By Obianuju Isima

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has unveiled its maiden Newsletter and Telehealth Service as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to HIV prevention, information, counselling, testing, treatment and care across Anambra State.

On Sept. 22, the unveiling was held at Chiben Hotel, Awka, with the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, described the initiatives as another major step towards taking the State’s HIV response to the last mile and ensuring that distance, stigma, discrimination or lack of information does not prevent anyone from accessing appropriate services.

Dr. Okeke explained that the Telehealth Service provides a confidential channel through which residents can access HIV information and counselling, guidance on HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), treatment adherence and referrals to appropriate facilities.

He disclosed that about 176 health facilities offering free HIV services across Anambra State have been linked to the referral pathway, enabling callers to be directed to services closest and most appropriate to them.

According to the Executive Director, ANSACA has tested over 2,500 persons since April 2026 through community outreaches, workplaces, motor parks, tertiary institutions and other targeted interventions.

The Agency has also strengthened community-level structures through Ward Action Committees on AIDS (WACA) and Campus Action Committees on AIDS (C**A), with C**A currently covering 27 tertiary institutions across the State.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, commended ANSACA for deploying digital innovation to improve access to health information and services, noting that the Telehealth Service complements the State Government’s broader telemedicine programme.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Ifeoma Njelita, emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of digital healthcare while strengthening privacy, confidentiality, consent, data security and local ownership of the HIV response under the Anambra State 2026–2028 HIV Strategic Plan.

The Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, KSP, commended ANSACA for introducing the Newsletter and Telehealth Service, describing the initiatives as important tools for strengthening communication, documentation, community engagement and access to HIV information and care.

Also gracing the occasion was the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka, Oke-Ebo, who joined other stakeholders in expressing support for initiatives aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, awareness and access to care across the State.

The Mayor of Idemili North, Sir Stanley Nkwoka, extolled the leadership of the ANSACA Executive Director. Recalling his experience working with Dr. Okeke when he served as Supervisor for Health in Idemili North, Sir Nkwoka expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver and further strengthen the HIV response in Anambra State.

Also present were the Mayor of Idemili South, Chief Mrs. Amaka Obi, and representative of the Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, alongside representatives of SASCP, ASHIA, JHPIEGO, ASTUC, ASWHAN, KP Secretariat, traditional institutions, health-sector stakeholders, community representatives and other partners in the State HIV response.

The maiden ANSACA Newsletter will provide a platform for documenting the Agency’s programmes, partnerships, milestones and public health information, while the Telehealth Service will provide a direct and confidential bridge between communities and available HIV prevention, treatment and support services.

Dr. Okeke reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment to ensuring that no resident is left behind because of stigma, distance or lack of information, stressing that expanded testing is essential for identifying people who do not know their HIV status, linking those who test positive to treatment and strengthening prevention efforts.

The Agency expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, stakeholders, partners, traditional institutions, community structures, healthcare workers and the media for their continued support.

ANSACA remains committed to the vision of an AIDS-Free Anambra State with Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Stigma and Discrimination by 2030.

SOLUTION IS HERE!

*Obianuju Isima writes from Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA)*






National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
UNDP in Nigeria UNFPA
Unitaid UNICEF¥•UNICEF NigeriaThe Global FundGates FoundationWorld Health Organization Health Access Network

ACT FAST AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT — GET PEP

After r**e or s*xual assault, seek medical care immediately.

If there may have been HIV exposure, PEP can help prevent HIV infection when started as soon as possible and within 72 hours.

🚨 Go to the nearest Primary Health Center or HIV service facility, tell a healthcare provider what happened, and ask about PEP. Follow-up testing and care may also be recommended.

For more inquiries, guidance and support kindly reach us on ANSACA hotlines:

*For calls only:* 07048006130
07036285379
08031604097

*For watsapp only:*
07046505691
08087164626




World Health Organization (WHO)
The Global Fund United Aid Unitaid
UNICEF UNICEF Nigeria Gates Foundation