By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, has unveiled its maiden newsletter and telehealth service as part of renewed efforts to strengthen co mmunication and expand access to HIV information and support across the state.
The unveiling, which took place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, was described by the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, as a milestone beyond launching telephone numbers, but about connecting information to action and linking communities to life-saving health services.
In his welcome address, Dr. Okeke said the agency under his leadership since April 27, 2026, is pursuing a clear vision of an AIDS-free Anambra with zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma, in line with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and the global goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
He disclosed that within a few months, ANSACA has taken HIV interventions beyond health facilities to the people through statewide motor park testing, workplace outreaches and community engagements, with over 2,500 persons tested and those needing services linked to care. The agency has also strengthened Local Action Committees on AIDS, LACA, inaugurated Ward Action Committees on AIDS, WACA, in all 326 wards with 1,693 brigade members, and established Campus Action Committees, CACA, across 27 tertiary institutions to reach adolescents and young people.
Dr. Okeke noted that ANSACA is promoting an integrated approach that combines HIV with tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, mental health, substance use and sexual and reproductive health services, while strengthening partnerships with government, development partners, civil society and people living with HIV.
He said despite progress, challenges such as funding gaps, low awareness and persistent stigma remain, with many people who need prevention, testing or treatment not knowing where to go or who to call confidentially, hence the need for the telehealth service.
According to him, the ANSACA telehealth is not to replace hospitals or the state’s existing telemedicine system, but to bridge the gap by integrating community interventions with clinical care. Through it, a young person exposed to HIV at night can access information on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, PEP, those seeking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, PrEP, counselling, HIV testing, treatment support and referral for stigma-related issues can get prompt and confidential guidance.
He explained that the new service model follows a clear pathway from awareness and community engagement to testing, telehealth support, referral, clinical intervention, follow-up and retention in care, assuring that ANSACA is committed to taking HIV information and services closer to the people towards achieving zero new infections by 2030.
“Our Newsletter tells the story of our programmes, community interventions, partnerships and progress in the HIV response, while our Telehealth Service provides a confidential and convenient channel for HIV information, counselling, PrEP/PEP guidance, treatment support and referrals.
Read and download our Newsletter:
https://ansaca.org/newsletters/ANSACA-NEWSLETTER.pdf
ANSACA Telehealth — Calls Only:
07048006130, 07036285379, 08031604097. WhatsApp Only: 07046505691, 08087164626,” Okeke Stated.
Moreso, the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Hon Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) advised both young and adults to use the available information at their disposal to protect themselves from being exposed to HIV infection saying that although their is hope for those living with HIV , ‘prevention is still better than cure’.
Special Guests which include the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, the Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze (Ichie Chinaemeze n’Ukpo), His Majesty Igwe Ben Emeka of Umueri, Keynote Speaker, Prof Ifeoma Njelita and other Partners present in their separate speeches called on both individuals, organizations and communities to partner with ANSACA as the agency rolls out several Initiatives -Towards Zero New HIV Infections in Anambra State by 2030.
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