BY UCHE CHUKWU
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has launched its maiden Newsletter and Telehealth Service as part of measures to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment, counselling and care across the state. The event with the themed: “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State.”
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, commended ANSACA for adopting digital approach to improve access to health information and services. Dr. Mefor noted that the telehealth service would complement the state’s telemedicine programme already initiated by governor Chukwuma Soludo aimed at encouraging more residents to go for early HIV testing. He noted that the State, a national award winner in health, now offers specialist care from any ward primary health centre. Dr. Mefor, a psychologist said: "Even if there is no doctor in your facility, you will now have a doctor through telemedicine," he said.
He observed that what kills faster than the virus is stigmatisation and loss of hope. Mefor stressed that "HIV is no longer a death sentence, even as he urged the people of the State to get tested early, as the virus can now be controlled for a full, healthy life, while still avoiding risky behaviours. According to him, the Telehealth Service would complement the state government's wider telemedicine programme.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said the initiatives represents another significant step towards extending HIV services to the grassroots level. Dr. Okeke pointed out that the Telehealth Service would provide residents with a confidential avenue to obtain HIV information and counselling, guidance on testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), treatment adherence and referrals to appropriate health facilities.Dr. Okeke reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to ensuring that no resident is excluded from HIV services because of stigma, distance or inadequate information. He emphasised that increased HIV testing remains important for identifying people who are unaware of their status, linking those who test positive to treatment and strengthening prevention efforts.
The Agency's boss expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, stakeholders, development partners, traditional institutions, community structures, healthcare workers and the media for their continued support. He said ANSACA remains committed to achieving an AIDS-Free Anambra State, with the targets of Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Stigma and Discrimination by 2030.
He further noted that about 176 health facilities providing free HIV services across Anambra had been connected to the referral pathway, making it possible for callers to be directed to facilities closest and most suitable for their needs.
According to him,
ANSACA had tested more than 2,500 people since April 2026 through community outreaches, workplaces, motor parks, tertiary institutions and other targeted interventions. He added that the Agency had also strengthened community structures through Ward Action Committees on AIDS (WACA) and Campus Action Committees on AIDS (CACA), with CACA currently operating in 27 tertiary institutions across the state.
The keynote Speaker, Prof. Ifeoma Njelita, dwelt on the need for people to remain at the centre of digital healthcare, while urging stronger attention to privacy, confidentiality, consent, data security and local ownership of the HIV response under the Anambra State 2026–2028 HIV Strategic Plan.
The Mayor of Idemili North, Sir Stanley Nkwoka, praised the leadership of Dr. Okeke, recalling his previous working relationship with him when he served as Supervisor for Health in Idemili North. He expressed confidence in Dr. Okeke's ability to further strengthen the state's HIV response.
In his remark,
the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, also extolled ANSACA's Executive Director for birthing the Newsletter and Telehealth Service, describing them as valuable tools for improving communication, documentation, community engagement and access to HIV-related information and care.
The Traditional Ruler of Umueri, HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka, Oke-Ebo II, was also present at the event and joined other stakeholders in supporting initiatives aimed at improving HIV prevention, awareness and access to care in the state, Also in attendance included the
Mayor of Idemili South, Chief Mrs. Amaka Obi; the representative of the Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, Hon. Onyebuchi Okpala, JP; as well as representatives of SASCP, ASHIA, JHPIEGO, ASTUC, ASWHAN, KP Secretariat, traditional institutions, health-sector stakeholders, community representatives and other partners.
The maiden ANSACA Newsletter is expected to document the Agency's programmes, partnerships, achievements and public health information, while the Telehealth Service will provide a direct and confidential link between communities and available HIV prevention, treatment and support services.