The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has launched a statewide campaign targeted at eliminating new HIV infections by 2030, as health authorities intensify interventions to expand prevention, testing, and treatment services across the state.
The initiative, known as the Healthy Living HIV Control Initiative (HLHCI), was unveiled in Awka by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), alongside the inauguration of 42 coordinators across the state’s 21 local government areas and the signing of a commitment framework aimed at ending new HIV infections within the next five years.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, Soludo said the programme is designed to strengthen community outreach, encourage routine HIV testing, and improve access to care. She explained that it has been integrated into her broader Healthy Living Initiative to maximise its grassroots reach.
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She further disclosed that 11,413 persons living with HIV in Anambra have been enrolled under the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), where they currently receive subsidised or free treatment supported by the Global Fund. She urged residents to take advantage of available health services and assured continued government commitment to care and support.
The First Lady also charged newly appointed coordinators to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, stressing the need for strict confidentiality in managing the health information of affected individuals.
The Executive Director and Programme Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, said the initiative is aimed at accelerating progress toward reducing HIV transmission in the state. He noted that Anambra currently records the highest HIV prevalence in the South-East and ranks fifth nationwide, with a prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent.
According to him, the state’s strategy includes expanded awareness campaigns, free HIV counselling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes, distribution of preventive materials, and improved support systems for people living with HIV. He added that the interventions are aligned with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 global targets and a roadmap to achieve zero new infections by 2030.
Okeke also revealed that Anambra is among eight states selected for a pilot programme introducing a new HIV preventive injection, which will be provided free once fully deployed. He further announced plans to establish a skills acquisition centre for people living with HIV to reduce stigma and improve economic empowerment.
The traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, described the initiative as a major step toward correcting misconceptions about HIV and encouraging more residents to seek testing and treatment without fear of discrimination.
Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) pledged continued support for the campaign, noting that sustained awareness, healthier lifestyles, and improved healthcare access remain key to achieving the 2030 target.
