Anambra to Launch Integrated HIV, Addiction Care Programme
By Staff Reporter
The Anambra State Government is set to launch the Anambra Integrated HIV and Addiction Care Programme (AIHAC) as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and substance use disorder services across the state.
The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Hillary Nkem Okeke, disclosed this during a working visit to the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka.
Dr. Okeke said the programme would be anchored on eight key pillars, including HIV prevention and treatment, mental health services, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), telehealth, viral hepatitis care, tuberculosis (TB) care, rehabilitation, as well as skills acquisition and economic empowerment.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at making integrated healthcare services more accessible while ensuring that people living with substance use disorders receive comprehensive care.
Describing the MAT Centre as a vital component of the state’s response to substance abuse, HIV and viral hepatitis, Dr. Okeke noted that the facility, established with support from the Global Fund, is one of the few centres of its kind in Nigeria.
According to him, the centre provides evidence based treatment for opioid dependence through medication and structured psychosocial support, while serving as an important entry point for HIV and viral hepatitis screening among people who inject drugs.
He explained that clients are routinely screened for HIV and viral hepatitis, with those who test positive linked to treatment, while those who test negative receive counselling and preventive services.
Dr. Okeke encouraged individuals battling opioid dependence and the misuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine to seek professional treatment at the MAT Centre.
He also announced plans to strengthen community based interventions by training patent medicine vendors and other community service providers on safer practices to reduce the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs.
The ANSACA Executive Director commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing the political support that has sustained the establishment and operation of the MAT Centre, while appreciating the Global Fund, AHNI, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, COOUTH and other development partners for their continued support.
Also speaking, the Senior Technical Officer for Key Populations and Harm Reduction at AHNI, Mr. Femi Owolabi, described the MAT Centre as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s harm reduction strategy.
He explained that Medication Assisted Treatment combines evidence based medications such as methadone with structured psychosocial support, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and promote long term recovery.
Owolabi noted that MAT, alongside the Needle and Syringe Programme and Community Naloxone Distribution, forms the three major pillars of harm reduction aimed at reducing HIV, viral hepatitis and other health risks associated with drug use.
He commended the collaboration between the Global Fund, the Anambra State Government, ANSACA, the Ministry of Health, COOUTH and AHNI, describing it as critical to expanding access to quality treatment, rehabilitation and HIV prevention services across the state.
