The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), in collaboration with the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI), has inaugurated the State Key Population (KP) Advisory Committee to strengthen coordination and improve access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and harm-reduction services across the state.
The inauguration, held at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo, brought together representatives of security agencies, health institutions, government ministries and agencies, community-based organisations and key population networks.
The committee is expected to provide a structured platform for collaboration among the health sector, security agencies and key population communities, while addressing barriers to HIV services, strengthening referral systems and improving coordination among stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, highlighted the efforts of the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to strengthen the state’s HIV response through what he described as a progressive, evidence-driven and solution-oriented approach.
Dr. Okeke said the initiative was focused on public health and the protection of lives rather than promoting any particular lifestyle.
“This is not about promoting anyone’s lifestyle. It is about preventing HIV infections, keeping people on treatment, protecting public health and saving lives.
“ANSACA will continue to provide the platform for these interests to work together. We cannot end AIDS by leaving populations most vulnerable to HIV behind.”
He urged security agencies to deepen their understanding of the public health dimension of HIV interventions, while health institutions should recognise the security environment within which they operate.
He also called on key population communities to understand and uphold their responsibilities in the state’s HIV response.
“I charge you to uphold professionalism, confidentiality and mutual respect, and remember that the state’s target remains Zero New HIV Infections by 2030,” he said.
Dr. Okeke said the inauguration marked another step towards building a more coordinated and effective HIV response in Anambra State, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
