ANSACA, NOA Join Forces to Take HIV Awareness Deeper Into Anambra Communities
The fight against HIV in Anambra is taking a stronger grassroots approach as the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) move to deepen public awareness, prevention education and community mobilisation across the state.
The renewed partnership took centre stage on August 24 when the NOA Anambra State leadership, led by its State Director, Chijioke Esq., paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, at the agency’s office.
Dr. Okeke stressed that effective public enlightenment remains critical to preventing new HIV infections, encouraging regular testing and treatment, and tackling the stigma and discrimination that often discourage people from seeking help.
He identified NOA’s extensive grassroots structure as a valuable platform for taking accurate HIV information beyond government offices and into the places where people live, work and interact, including markets, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and communities.
The proposed collaboration will focus on joint sensitisation campaigns, HIV testing and prevention awareness, treatment adherence, stigma reduction and the development of simple, culturally relevant messages that people can easily understand and apply.
For ANSACA, the message goes beyond awareness. It is about ensuring that accurate information reaches the grassroots early enough to influence decisions, encourage responsible health choices and help people access available services without fear.
The NOA State Director expressed the agency’s readiness to work with ANSACA to strengthen sustained public education and behavioural change communication on HIV and other public health issues.
With both agencies bringing their networks and expertise to the partnership, the renewed collaboration is expected to give HIV awareness in Anambra a wider reach and a stronger community presence.
The ultimate goal is clear: more information, earlier testing, better prevention, improved treatment support and zero discrimination against people living with HIV.
