ANSACA Warns Against Reliance on Social Media for HIV Figures

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has warned people of the state against spread of unconfirmed HIV figures and misinformation on social media.

Executive Director, Dr Nkem Okeke gave the warning in a chat with journalists in Awka while reacting to HIV statistics circulating on social media.

He urged residents to rely only on verified information from official health authorities for HIV-related updates.

He explained that HIV statistics should be interpreted with caution, stressing that number of confirmed cases depends largely on the scale, coverage and targeting of testing.

According to Okeke, the State has intensified community-based HIV testing through several initiatives, including the Moonlight Testing Programme, which operates between 7 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to reach key populations.

He said, “It is important for members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities for HIV-related updates, rather than unconfirmed figures and misinformation on social media.

“Anambra State has intensified community-based HIV testing through several initiatives, including the Moonlight Testing Programme, which operates between 7 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to reach key populations.

“The initiative is aimed at expanding access to HIV testing, linking those who test positive to treatment and care, while providing preventive services such as counselling and free condoms.

“HIV testing in the state is regularly conducted in communities, markets, religious centres and other public locations through approved outreach programmes.

“Recent exercises were carried out in collaboration with healthcare institutions and medical students in communities including St. Paul’s, Ogidi, Nanka, Onitsha and Awka.”

Okeke emphasised that HIV test results remain confidential and are protected by ethical and legal standards, noting that responsible organisations do not publicly disclose the identities or results of individuals.

He added that any organisation intending to carry out HIV-related programmes in government institutions or public facilities in Anambra State must obtain approval from ANSACA or the State Ministry of Health to ensure proper coordination, quality assurance and compliance with national guidelines.

Speaking on the state’s HIV response, ANSACA boss said HIV remains a significant public health concern despite remarkable advances in prevention and treatment, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic diverted public attention and health resources from HIV, slowing awareness campaigns and affecting service delivery in many communities.

He identified adolescents and young people as a priority group for prevention efforts, citing social, economic and behavioural factors that increase their vulnerability to HIV infection.

Okeke also stressed the need for stronger parental involvement, community participation, school-based education and sustained youth-focused awareness campaigns to discourage risky behaviours and prevent new infections.

“Anambra State is supporting the implementation of the National HIV Prevention Plan, which focuses on reaching young people with age-appropriate HIV prevention education before they become exposed to high-risk behaviours.

“We express optimism that sustained awareness, expanded testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment would significantly reduce new HIV infections and strengthen the state’s efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.

“The fight against HIV requires the collective commitment of government, healthcare workers, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and residents.

“Increased public awareness, wider access to HIV testing and early treatment remain critical to achieving an HIV-free Anambra State,” he added.