The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Anambra State Directorate, have vowed partnership to expand HIV awareness, promote testing and combat stigma through coordinated grassroots campaigns across the state.
The renewed collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by the NOA State Director, Chijioke Esq., and his team to ANSACA’s Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, at the agency’s headquarters on Monday.
Speaking during the meeting, Okeke stressed that sustained public enlightenment remains critical to reducing new HIV infections, encouraging early testing and treatment, and tackling discrimination against people living with HIV.
He said NOA’s extensive community network would provide a strategic platform for taking accurate HIV information to markets, schools, workplaces, religious centres and other grassroots communities across Anambra.
“Effective communication at the community level is essential if we are to change attitudes, encourage testing and ensure people access treatment without fear of stigma,” he said.
The meeting focused on plans for joint sensitisation campaigns, community mobilisation, wider promotion of HIV prevention and testing services, improved treatment adherence, and the development of culturally appropriate messages tailored to local communities.
Okeke noted that the proposed collaboration aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s emphasis on preventive healthcare, strategic partnerships and community-driven development, as well as ANSACA’s 2026–2028 State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan.
Responding, NOA State Director Chijioke pledged the agency’s commitment to supporting sustained public education and behavioural change communication on HIV and other public health priorities.
Both agencies reaffirmed their resolve to leverage their combined grassroots structures to build a better-informed and healthier Anambra, where residents can access HIV information and services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
