Anambra Inaugurates Key Population Advisory Committee
By Tochukwu Ifejika
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, has inaugurated a State Key Population Advisory Committee to strengthen coordination and improve access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and harm reduction services across the state.
The committee was inaugurated in collaboration with the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, AHNI, during a community dialogue held at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area.
The event brought together representatives of security agencies, health institutions, government agencies, community organisations and key population networks.
Discussions focused on creating a structured platform for collaboration between the health sector, security agencies and key population communities, while addressing barriers to HIV services, strengthening referrals and improving coordination.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, highlighted the efforts of the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in strengthening the state’s HIV response through what he described as a progressive, evidence driven and solution oriented approach.
Dr Okeke said the initiative was focused on preventing HIV infections, keeping people on treatment, protecting public health and saving lives, rather than promoting any lifestyle.
He urged security agencies, health institutions and key population communities to understand their respective responsibilities, while calling for professionalism, confidentiality and mutual respect.
He said the state remains committed to achieving Zero New HIV Infections by 2030, describing the inauguration as another step towards a more coordinated and effective HIV response in Anambra.
