ANSACA, AHNI Inaugurate Key Population Committee to Boost HIV Services in Anambra
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), in collaboration with the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI), has inaugurated the State Key Population (KP) Advisory Committee as part of efforts to improve coordination and expand access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and harm-reduction services across the state.
The inauguration, which was held at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo, also featured a community dialogue that brought together representatives of security agencies, health institutions, government bodies, community-based organisations and key population networks.
Discussions at the event centred on the committee’s role in creating a structured platform for collaboration among the health sector, security agencies and key population communities.
Participants also examined ways of addressing barriers to HIV services, strengthening referral systems and improving coordination among stakeholders involved in the state’s HIV response.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, highlighted the efforts of the Anambra State Government under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to strengthen the state’s HIV response through what he described as a progressive, evidence-driven and solution-oriented approach.
Okeke stressed that the initiative was focused on public health and HIV prevention rather than promoting any particular lifestyle. “This is not about promoting anyone’s lifestyle. It is about preventing HIV infections, keeping people on treatment, protecting public health and saving lives,” he said.
He added that ANSACA would continue to provide a platform for stakeholders to work together, noting that ending AIDS would require reaching populations that are particularly vulnerable to HIV.
The ANSACA boss urged security agencies to deepen their understanding of the public health response, while encouraging health institutions to appreciate the security environment and key population communities to understand their responsibilities.
“I charge you to uphold professionalism, confidentiality and mutual respect, and remember that the state’s target remains Zero New HIV Infections by 2030,” he said.
He described the inauguration of the committee as another step towards achieving a more coordinated and effective HIV response in Anambra State.
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