ANSACA, ASBA Partner to Expand Economic Opportunities for People Living With HIV
By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, and the Anambra State Small Business Agency, ASBA, are exploring new pathways for people living with HIV to access entrepreneurship training, cooperatives and affordable business financing across the state.
The partnership was discussed on September 8 during a meeting at the ASBA office in Awka, where both agencies examined practical ways to strengthen the economic independence of qualified members of the PLHIV community.
Representing ANSACA Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Unit Lead, Grant Writing and Proposal Development, Mr. Paschal Igbokwe, said stigma, discrimination, unemployment and limited access to capital continue to create economic challenges for some people living with HIV.
He stressed that addressing these barriers should form part of the broader HIV response, noting that sustainable livelihoods can help affected individuals support themselves, their families and contribute to the wider economy.
The Acting Managing Director of ASBA, Barr. Nonso Emeka, welcomed the initiative and assured ANSACA of the agency’s readiness to support qualified beneficiaries within its mandate.
Barr. Emeka said ASBA supports enterprise development, business clusters and cooperatives in areas including agriculture, tailoring, garment making and shoemaking, while encouraging people living with HIV who have functional businesses or entrepreneurial skills to form or join viable cooperatives.
He explained that ASBA also facilitates entrepreneurship training through its programmes and partnerships, including with the Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN, covering business development, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
The ASBA boss clarified that the agency does not offer general grants but provides business facilities and low interest credit opportunities to eligible individuals, clusters and cooperatives who meet the required conditions.
He assured ANSACA that information on upcoming training programmes and other relevant opportunities would be communicated to the agency, with qualified members considered whenever suitable slots are available.
Both agencies agreed to sustain communication and strengthen access to legitimate economic opportunities for qualified people living with HIV, describing the collaboration as an important step towards tackling socioeconomic barriers and promoting inclusive development in Anambra State.
