The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has emphasised the need to integrate mental health support into HIV prevention, treatment and care services to improve the overall well-being of people living with HIV.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, stated this in an interview in Awka to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, with a focus on strengthening mental health support for people living with HIV.
Dr. Okeke explained that mental health is an essential component of overall health, stressing that HIV care goes beyond testing and medication to include the emotional and psychological well-being of patients.
“At ANSACA, we understand that HIV care goes beyond testing and medication. We must also pay attention to the emotional and psychological well-being of people living with HIV.
“Nobody should suffer in silence or be denied dignity, compassion and support because of their HIV status,” he said.
Speaking on the mental and emotional challenges associated with living with HIV, the Executive Director identified anxiety, depression, social isolation and fear of disclosing one’s status as some of the difficulties patients may experience.
He noted that stigma, discrimination and rejection by family members and society could worsen these challenges, making it necessary to create supportive environments where people living with HIV can seek help without fear of judgement.
Dr. Okeke further explained that mental health support was important to effective HIV treatment because emotional well-being could influence patients’ willingness to seek medical attention, adhere to prescribed medication and maintain regular contact with healthcare providers.
“When people receive appropriate support, they may be more encouraged to seek help early, take their prescribed medication consistently and maintain regular contact with their healthcare providers.
“We must therefore integrate mental health support into HIV services because we are treating people, not just the virus,” he said.
On the role of families and communities, Dr. Okeke called on religious leaders, schools, workplaces and community organisations to promote empathy, discourage discrimination and support people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
He stressed that HIV status should never be a reason to reject, isolate or discriminate against anyone, adding that people living with HIV deserve understanding, acceptance and encouragement.
The ANSACA Executive Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to achieving zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination by 2030.
According to him, achieving these goals requires more than testing and treatment, but also accessible information, counselling, prevention services, referrals and compassionate healthcare that addresses the overall well-being of individuals.
He disclosed that ANSACA’s Telehealth Service provides an additional channel through which residents can access HIV-related information, counselling, prevention guidance and referrals.
Dr. Okeke also acknowledged the support of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in strengthening public health interventions and improving access to essential healthcare services across Anambra State.
He urged people living with HIV who experience depression, anxiety, persistent sadness, hopelessness or other forms of emotional distress to seek professional mental health support while continuing their prescribed medication and attending scheduled healthcare appointments.
He advised anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to seek immediate professional assistance at the nearest appropriate health facility.
Dr. Okeke provided the following ANSACA Telehealth Service contact details for members of the public seeking HIV-related information, counselling, prevention guidance and referrals:
Telephone: 0704 800 6130, 0703 628 5379..WhatsApp: 0704 650 5691, 0808 716 4626
He called for a society where everyone can access healthcare without fear and where people living with HIV are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
“Mental health must be recognised as an essential part of overall health. We must build a society where everyone can access care without fear and where people living with HIV are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
“Let us choose compassion over discrimination, support over silence, and early intervention over neglect. Together, we can work towards an AIDS-free Anambra State where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of their HIV status,” he said.
