ANSACA Calls for Stronger Protection of Girls Against Abuse, HIV Infection
By Chizoba Njaka
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has called for intensified efforts to protect girls from gender-based violence (GBV), sexual abuse and exploitation, warning that these threats undermine their health, dignity and future while increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, commended the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for its continued commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and children through stronger legal protections, free education, child protection programmes and measures to combat sexual exploitation.
Dr. Okeke particularly praised the governor's recent directive to investigate and prosecute cases of gender-based inheritance discrimination under the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017. He described the move as a significant step towards defending the rights of women and girls and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and fairness.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, especially her advocacy against child abuse and her support for justice, protection and rehabilitation for survivors.
According to Dr. Okeke, protecting girls from sexual violence is essential to reducing their risk of HIV infection and other health complications. He noted that sexual abuse can expose girls to HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and psychological trauma.
“Protecting the girl child from sexual violence is protecting her from HIV. Sexual abuse exposes girls to HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and psychological trauma. Our HIV prevention efforts cannot succeed without addressing the violence and inequalities that make adolescent girls and young women vulnerable,” he stated.
The ANSACA Executive Director reaffirmed the agency's commitment to promoting HIV awareness, prevention education, confidential testing, counselling and access to appropriate healthcare services. He stressed the need for survivors of sexual violence to receive prompt medical attention, including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of possible exposure, as well as psychosocial and legal support.
ANSACA urged parents, teachers, community leaders, security agencies and relevant government institutions to intensify child protection efforts, report cases of abuse without delay and ensure that survivors receive the necessary assistance without stigma or discrimination.
The agency also called for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, healthcare providers and civil society organisations to integrate HIV prevention services into gender-based violence response programmes.
As Anambra State joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, Dr. Okeke reiterated that achieving an AIDS-free Anambra by 2030 depends on protecting, educating and empowering every girl to live free from violence, discrimination and HIV.
The agency urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards a safer and healthier future for girls, emphasising the message: “Protect the Girl Child. End Gender-Based Violence. Prevent HIV. Build an AIDS-Free Anambra.”
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