Anambra First Lady Set to Launch HIV Intervention Initiative as ANSACA Unveils Free HIV Treatment Roadmap

By Our Reporter

Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, is set to launch a comprehensive HIV intervention programme under her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.

Similarly, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has unveiled its 2026-2028 State Strategic Transformation and Sustainability Plan (SSTSP) aimed at sustaining free HIV treatment and eliminating new infections in the state.

The development emerged during a high-level advocacy visit by the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, and members of the agency’s management team to the First Lady, where the agency presented its three-year strategic roadmap for strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services across Anambra State.

Presenting the plan, Dr. Okeke said the SSTSP 2026-2028 provides a clear framework for sustaining gains already recorded in the fight against HIV/AIDS while expanding access to free treatment and support services for people living with the virus.

He noted that the roadmap aligns with national and global targets for ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat and outlines key interventions designed to move Anambra closer to achieving an HIV-free future.

The ANSACA boss also briefed the First Lady on achievements recorded within his first month in office, including intensified awareness campaigns, expanded HIV testing services, stakeholder engagement and community-based interventions across the state.

Dr. Okeke commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to healthcare development and support for programmes that improve the wellbeing of residents.

According to him, the governor’s investment in healthcare infrastructure and human capital development has provided a strong foundation for effective HIV response initiatives in line with the administration’s transformation agenda.

Responding, Mrs. Soludo pledged to deepen collaboration with ANSACA through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, revealing plans to integrate HIV awareness, prevention, testing, stigma reduction and care support into the programme when it is formally launched.

She said the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by government and development partners to ensure that Anambra achieves zero new HIV infections by 2030.

“The fight against HIV requires collective commitment. Through the Healthy Living Initiative, we will continue to promote awareness, encourage testing, support vulnerable persons and combat the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help,” she said.

The First Lady expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Okeke and his team, describing the agency’s strategic direction as a positive step towards achieving lasting results in the state’s HIV response.

A major highlight of the meeting was an update on a toddler previously diagnosed with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD), whose case attracted the intervention of Mrs. Soludo. Dr. Okeke disclosed that the child has responded remarkably to treatment and care and is currently being prepared for transfer to an orphanage home after significant improvement in health.

The ANSACA team commended the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable residents, noting that her intervention helped change the child’s story and offered hope for a better future.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that stronger partnerships, sustained awareness campaigns and increased community participation would be crucial to achieving the state’s vision of a healthier, more productive and HIV-free Anambra.

Residents were also encouraged to take advantage of available free HIV testing and treatment services, know their status and support efforts aimed at ending stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

With the unveiling of the 2026-2028 strategic roadmap and the impending launch of the Healthy Living HIV Initiative, Anambra appears set to strengthen its response to HIV/AIDS and accelerate progress towards eliminating new infections in the years ahead.