By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Executive Director, Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA), Mr Johnbosco Ementa, Thursday, decried that the state ranked fifth position in terms of people aged 15 to 49 that transmits HIV in Nigeria.
Ementa, who disclosed this at a two-day stakeholders meeting organised by the agency in Awka, described the situation as unfortunate, which he said they were intensifying campaign to eliminate it transmission.
"It is unfortunate to note that Anambra is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people aged 15 to 49 years. The agency is working tirelessly to ensure its reduction or elimination by promoting behavioural change in both low and high population, increase awareness and sensitisation among the general population.
"We are are also working with targeted stakeholders, to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the state. Let me also inform you that plans are underway to domesticate the 2014 HIV Anti Stigma Bill in Anambra state, " he said.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr Afam Anaeme, seeks collaboration of all to reduce HIV transmission in the state through prevention.
"The pattern of transmission of the disease has made prevention a bit difficult in the state but Gov. Chukwuma Soludo's administration is determined to give residents quality healthcare service delivery. I urge the agency to do more to ensure that the transmission of HIV is drastically reduced in the state," he said