The Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, has called on families to openly discuss HIV as part of efforts to reduce new infections and eliminate stigma across Anambra State and Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Okeke said HIV prevention, testing, treatment and awareness should not be left to government and health workers alone. He stressed that parents, guardians and communities all have important roles to play in ending the epidemic.
According to him, making HIV a regular topic of discussion at home will encourage early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, and help young people make healthier lifestyle choices.
"HIV needs to become a strategic family conversation again, and everyone must be involved in achieving holistic epidemic control in Anambra and across Nigeria," he said.
Read Also:
Lagos, Ogun Joint Security Operation Nabs 88 Suspects, Rescues Five Kidnap Victims
Okeke noted that parents, religious leaders, community leaders, schools, the media and other stakeholders must work together to increase awareness and strengthen HIV prevention efforts.
He reaffirmed ANSACA's commitment to expanding awareness campaigns and strengthening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections while ensuring people living with HIV continue to receive quality treatment, care and support.
He also encouraged residents of Anambra State to know their HIV status through regular testing and support ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease.
The appeal comes weeks after ANSACA launched the Healthy Living HIV Control Initiative alongside the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo. The programme is designed to boost grassroots awareness and help the state achieve zero new HIV infections by 2030.
The initiative focuses on community education, free HIV testing and counselling, distribution of preventive materials, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and support for people living with HIV.
