Soludo, ANSACA Earn Praise as Anambra Unveils Digital Tools to Strengthen HIV Response

By Uzo Ugwunze

AWKA — Managing Director/CEO of Izudatcares Ventures Ltd, Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze, has commended the Anambra State Government and the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) for embracing digital innovation to improve HIV prevention, treatment support and access to health information across the state.

Nwabueze, who chaired the unveiling of ANSACA’s maiden newsletter and telehealth services on September 22, 2026, at Chyben Leisure Hotel, Awka, particularly praised Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, KSC, for what he described as a forward-looking approach to strengthening the state’s HIV response.

The event was held under the theme: “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State.”

Nwabueze said the theme was timely, noting that digital innovation had become increasingly important in making healthcare more accessible, responsive and people-centred.

According to him, the initiative aligns with Anambra State’s broader 2030 health-development aspirations by bringing essential information and support closer to residents, particularly people who may face barriers in accessing conventional health services.

He described the ANSACA Newsletter as an important accountability and community-engagement platform that would document the agency’s programmes, milestones, partnerships and multi-sectoral interventions.

“The newsletter will provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of ANSACA’s interventions while also helping to demystify HIV, promote accurate information and reduce stigma,” Nwabueze said.

On the newly introduced telehealth service, he said the platform would help remove some of the physical and social barriers associated with accessing HIV-related information and services.

He noted that the dedicated channels for counselling, referrals and reliable health information would provide confidential support for sensitive sexual-health enquiries, adherence and preventive-care needs, while helping to connect residents with appropriate health facilities.

Nwabueze also commended healthcare professionals, development partners and community-based organisations contributing to Anambra’s HIV response.

He urged ANSACA to sustain the momentum and ensure that the benefits of the new digital initiatives extend to all segments of the state.

He congratulated the Soludo administration and the ANSACA leadership on the launch, describing the initiatives as an important step toward making HIV services more accessible to Ndi Anambra.

Earlier, in his welcome address, ANSACA Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, explained that the telehealth service was designed to complement—not replace—hospitals and the state’s existing telemedicine system.

“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,” Okeke said.

He explained that the service would provide a channel through which residents could obtain timely information and guidance on HIV prevention and treatment-related services.

“Through it, a young person exposed to HIV at night can access information on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), while those seeking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), counselling, HIV testing, treatment support and referral for stigma-related issues can get prompt and confidential guidance,” he said.

According to Okeke, the new service model follows a continuum that begins with awareness and community engagement and progresses through testing, telehealth support, referral, clinical intervention, follow-up and retention in care.

He said the agency remained committed to taking HIV information and services closer to residents as part of efforts to contribute to the goal of achieving zero new HIV 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,” Okeke stated.

The ANSACA Newsletter is available for reading and download through the agency’s website.

ANSACA Telehealth Contact Channels

Calls only: 07048006130, 07036285379, 08031604097

WhatsApp only: 07046505691, 08087164626

Newsletter: https://ansaca.org/newsletters/ANSACA-NEWSLETTER.pdf

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