Anambra State AIDS & STI Control Programme

02/06/2026

Anambra Strengthens Commitment to Eliminating Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission at Expanded PMTCT Technical Working Group Meeting.

By Isaac Chukwurah

Stakeholders in Anambra State’s health sector convened on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Trig Premium Hotel, Nibo, for the Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Technical Working Group Meeting aimed at reviewing health interventions and strengthening service delivery across the state.

The meeting focused on assessing ongoing interventions in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and PMTCT. Participants also reviewed program achievements and challenges, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and developed strategies for improved healthcare outcomes.

In her opening remarks, the State AIDS and STIs Programme Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, highlighted the strong data-driven commitment of the Honourable Commissioner for Health towards integrating PMTCT with other disease control programmes. She urged participants to engage actively as the state intensifies efforts to achieve epidemic control of HIV, particularly among pregnant women and their infants.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key implementing partners and stakeholders, including Dr. Elizabeth of AHNI, Madam Charity of AHF, Blessing of CHAI, representatives of NEPWHAN, and Mr. Donald of ANSACA.

Presentations during the meeting featured first-quarter 2026 performance data on RMNCAEH, Nutrition, Malaria, NCDs, and PMTCT programmes. Updates were also presented on PMTCT services in AHNI- and AHF-supported facilities across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben, who attended the meeting, emphasized the need for a detailed review of identified gaps, stressing that the state maintains zero tolerance for service delivery shortcomings. He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to drastically reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

According to the Commissioner, attendance at such review meetings remains crucial as they provide a platform for data-driven decision-making. He reaffirmed the state government’s target of reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission to 0.5 percent.

As part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes, the Commissioner directed that Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) be identified and enlisted within one week to strengthen referrals and reduce preventable maternal and child mortality.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo, commended the efforts of the state team, implementing partners, and other critical stakeholders for their contributions towards improving health outcomes in the state. She, however, called for more robust participation from all concerned stakeholders, particularly in terms of attendance and quality representation at technical review meetings, stressing that stronger collaboration remains essential for achieving the state’s health goals.

The meeting attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben; the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo; the Head of Administration, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank; NASCP South-East Zonal Technical Officer, Rosemary Akpati; development partners, implementing agencies, and other health sector stakeholders.

30/05/2026

SASCP Leads Rollout of Long-Acting Injectable for HIV Prevention in Anambra

The Anambra State AIDS and STI Control Programme (SASCP) has successfully commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication designed to prevent HIV infection, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention services and reduce new infections across Anambra State.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with Anambra State Government and key health stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Health experts describe the introduction of LEN PrEP as a major advancement in HIV prevention, offering a more convenient and effective option for individuals at risk of HIV infection.

Speaking on the development, stakeholders commended SASCP for its leadership and commitment toward expanding access to innovative HIV prevention interventions across the state. The programme is expected to improve adherence, increase prevention coverage, and support Anambra State’s drive toward achieving epidemic control.

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

Anambra State Launches Lenacapavir (LEN-PrEP): Twice Yearly Injectable HIV Prevention Now Available

Yesterday, 22nd May 2026, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (SASCP) and key implementing partners, officially launched Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention option administered twice yearly. The launch took place at the NMA Hall, COOUTH, and marks a major step forward in expanding prevention choices and strengthening efforts to reduce new HIV infections across the state.

The launch, coordinated by SASCP, convened a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; representatives from NASCP, NACA, SHMB, AHNI, AHF, CHAI, KNCV, WHO, JHPIEGO, NEPWHAN; healthcare workers; civil society organizations; key population communities; and the media. The event was moderated by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme.

Speakers highlighted the importance of prevention in achieving epidemic control and emphasized equitable access to LEN PrEP for people at substantial risk of HIV acquisition.

During a demand creation session, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, State HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, highlighted Anambra State’s progress in HIV prevention, noting that the state has achieved a 70:82:94 performance toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with over 56,000 people currently receiving life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART). She emphasized the importance of combination prevention strategies, outlined the eligibility criteria for LEN-PrEP, and stressed the need to expand HIV prevention options for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Mbagwu further informed participants that LEN-PrEP is currently available in six facilities across the state: COOUTH Awka, FMC Onitsha, TC Oba, CHC Neni, CHC Ukpo, and OSS Awka. She also noted that Anambra is among the eight states in Nigeria implementing LEN-PrEP, alongside the FCT, Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health appreciated SASCP, AHNi, AHF, CHAI, NEPWHAN, and other partners for their continued commitment to HIV prevention, care, and treatment in Anambra State. He emphasized that prevention remains a critical strategy in the drive to eliminate HIV and noted that the introduction of LEN-PrEP would significantly strengthen HIV prevention among high-risk populations.

He further cautioned against the commercialization and diversion of LEN-PrEP, stressing that the injectable is not meant for sale and should remain accessible to all eligible individuals without discrimination. He also assured stakeholders that the State would closely monitor facilities and markets to prevent misuse of the commodity while encouraging continued innovation and demand creation for HIV testing and prevention services.

Following the official flag off, four eligible and consenting clients were successfully inducted into LEN PrEP during the event.

With an expanded prevention portfolio that now includes Oral PrEP, CAB LA, and LEN PrEP, Anambra State continues to move closer to reducing new HIV infections and ensuring healthier communities. The Ministry of Health and implementing partners thanked all participating organizations, healthcare workers, community representatives, and facilities for their steadfast support and commitment to the state’s HIV response.

20/05/2026

Can you hear the sound of that...

Yeah!
Anambra State is ready.

Clock it🫰👌

06/05/2026

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPACT IN HIV RESPONSE

Earlier today, the State AIDS Program Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, and team paid advocacy visits to the newly appointed Executive Secretaries of ASHIA and ASPHCDA.

These courtesy visits were both timely and strategic, coming shortly after their recent appointments, and aimed at reinforcing the existing collaboration and strengthening partnerships for improved service delivery in the state.

At ASHIA, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ezeaka Augustine, reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to the GF-ASHIA free health insurance for People Living with HIV (PLHIVs). He emphasized the need to remove existing bottlenecks and accelerate enrollment to ensure more beneficiaries can access quality healthcare without financial burden.

Similarly, the team, alongside implementing partner, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), led by Dr. Vivian Sunday, engaged with the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Dr. Uju Okoye, who expressed strong willingness to collaborate closely in driving impactful interventions at the primary healthcare level. She reiterated her commitment to supporting efforts geared towards ending the HIV epidemic in the state.

These engagements mark a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and strengthened systems in delivering equitable and sustainable HIV services.

06/05/2026

The Anambra State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (SASCP) proudly congratulates Dr. Obidike Afam Ben on his well-deserved re-appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Anambra State.

This recognition reflects his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to strengthening healthcare service delivery and improving public health outcomes across the state.

His continued stewardship inspires confidence and progress in the fight against HIV, viral hepatitis, and other public health challenges.

We celebrate this milestone and wish him continued success, impactful service, and greater achievements in advancing the health and well-being of Ndi Anambra.

01/04/2026

Be line-listed...

24/03/2026

Today, the Anambra State AIDS Program Coordinator, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, had the privilege of joining the national team at the official launch of the long-awaited Lenacapavir injectable PrEP (Len-PrEP)—a groundbreaking advancement in HIV prevention in Nigeria.

The event was led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Madam Daju Kachollom, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), representatives from the Global Fund, World Health Organization (WHO), Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), Implementing Partners, and other key stakeholders.

Importantly, State AIDS Program Coordinators from the eight pioneer implementation states—Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Kwara State, Gombe State, Benue State, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, and the Federal Capital Territory—were present to commence rollout of this innovative intervention.

Lenacapavir, with its long-acting injectable formulation, represents a major leap forward in HIV prevention, especially for individuals who may find daily oral PrEP challenging. It offers renewed hope in reducing new infections and accelerating progress toward epidemic control.

In Anambra State, Len-PrEP services will begin once commodities are deployed. The following facilities have been designated to provide services:
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH)
• CHC Ukpo
• CHC Neni
• CHC Umunya
• Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha
• TC Oba
• OSS Awka

This milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to adopting innovative, evidence-based approaches to strengthen HIV prevention and improve public health outcomes.

PrEP is FREE. Own and guard your health.

14/03/2026

With Abbott – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉