The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has extended comprehensive HIV services to 175 healthcare facilities across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Afam Ben Obidike said that from January to October 2024 alone, 257,953 individuals were tested for HIV, with 3,138 (1.2%) newly testing positive and an impressive 99% of those tested positive, successfully linked to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
As we join the world in commemorating World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme “Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030″ we reflect on the milestones achieved and the challenges that still lie ahead in our quest to achieve an AIDS-free Anambra State by 2030.’’
The Commissioner said this during a press briefing to commemorate 2024 World AIDS Day in Awka. He state that the theme calls for deliberate, rights-based approaches that prioritize inclusion, equity and the well-being of every individual, especially those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
We have made tremendous progress in recent years. Through the partnership between the State Ministry of Health – State AIDS/STI Control Programme (SASCP), Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Key Implementing Partners, Development Partners and Civil Society organizations.
Currently, 49,067 individuals living with HIV have been placed on Anti-Retroviral treatment. As part of the state’s HIV prevention efforts, the state, through its partners’ support, has distributed 1,406,744 condoms and 26,640 lubricants to support safe practices among key populations and the general public.
These distributions underline the state and its partners’ commitment to mitigating transmission risks and supporting comprehensive prevention strategies.
Dr. Obidike explained that the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program has been pivotal to the state’s progress in reducing pediatric HIV.
According to Spectrum projections, an estimated 5,167 pregnant women in Anambra State required PMTCT services in 2024. Through the efforts of mentor mothers and implementing partners, there has been an increased demand for testing among pregnant women in the community, with 56,199 antenatal attendees tested for HIV and 560 HIV-positive pregnant women (both known and new cases) identified, all of whom were successfully linked to care.
The integration of innovative diagnostics like m-PIMA machines for Early Infant Diagnostics has improved our ability to test HIV-exposed infants and ensure they are linked to care promptly. This is a significant stride toward ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Rights-based approaches remain central to the efforts of the Anambra State Government ensuring that services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner to foster increased uptake of services. Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), which provides multi-sectoral coordination for the state HIV response, promotes inclusive and sustainable responses in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The agency has strengthened Local Action Committees (LACAs) to provide the needed oversight at the Local Government level and supported GBV and human rights interventions that pose a barrier to accessing HIV prevention, treatment and care services, in collaboration with the relevant line ministries.
The current effort to domesticate the HIV anti-discrimination Act is a further testament to the proactive work of the Anambra State Government to protect the rights of those People Living with HIV. Our focus on adolescents and young people has shown some improvement. In 2024, over 42 adolescents trained as Change Agents have driven HIV awareness campaigns in 179 communities in the state.
Additionally, targeted interventions for key populations and radio jingles have expanded access to HIV self-testing and HIV sensitization reaching over 5 million people. Likewise, HIV testing has improved with the distribution of HIV self-test kits.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence, human rights violations and breaches of confidentiality in healthcare settings remain significant barriers, deterring many from seeking care or adhering to treatment.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all organizations within the HIV response in Anambra state, your dedication, resilience, innovation and collaboration in advancing the HIV response is not taken for granted. Your contributions have been invaluable in driving our collective progress and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Distinguished guests, the theme ‘’Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV among Children’’ serves as both a call to action and a roadmap. Let us re-commit to a future where every child, adolescent, and individual has access to the care, support and dignity they deserve.
Together, we can achieve an AIDS-free Anambra State, a state where rights-based approaches ensure health equity and hope for all.’’
In attendance were, the Permanent Secretary; Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Acting Director Public Health; Dr. Afam Anaeme, Mr. Johnbosco Nkem Ementa MD-ANSACA, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu state AIDS Programme Coordinator, Acting Director Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu and Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu HOD Planning and Statistics Department.
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