Anambra State AIDS & STI Control Programme

17/08/2025

A milestone for maternal and child health in our state!

On Friday, 15th August 2025, we successfully inaugurated the Expanded PMTCT Technical Working Group (TWG) at Trig Point Hotel, Nibo. The TWG will provide strategic oversight, strengthen integration of services, and drive data-driven decisions to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV while improving maternal and child health outcomes.

We specially appreciate the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, for her presence and inspiring words, and the Director of Public Health for his steadfast commitment in making this inauguration a reality.

Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are confident that this platform will foster stronger collaboration and accountability in reducing disease burden and improving the health system.

28/07/2025

The Anambra State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI Control Program, on behalf of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, went live today to commemorate this year's World Hepatitis Day, with the theme: Let's Break It Down. We explored the causes of Hepatitis, various transmission routes, prevention, and treatment modalities.

Working closely with the Nascp Fmoh, and other key stakeholders, we intend to eliminate new infections by 2030. Together, we can achieve a hepatitis free state/nation.

10/04/2025

The MD of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) today convened a crucial meeting with key HIV/TB stakeholders to:

✅ Sensitize stakeholders on the Global Fund–sponsored free health insurance for people living with HIV (PLHIVs) and TB patients.
✅ Strategize on implementation modalities.
✅ Define clear roles and responsibilities for all actors.

To date, 601 PLHIVs and 11 TB clients have been enrolled in this life-saving initiative, which will run through the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), spanning 2024–2026.

Anambra is proud to be among the four GF-supported states (Anambra, Ebonyi, Kwara & Gombe) piloting this intervention across the 36+1 states in Nigeria, a remarkable opportunity for our community members, especially given the rising user fees in many healthcare facilities.

We appreciate the Global Fund for this vital support and the Anambra State Government for their unwavering collaboration.

In attendance: Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, ASHIA MD, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Permanent. Sec. Health, ES ASPHCDA, Acting Director of Public Health, Program Managers (HIV & TB), reps from UNAIDS, AHNI, AHF, KNCV, NEPWHAN, AYPIN & more.

Together, we’re building a stronger, inclusive health system for all. 💪

16/01/2025

Summary of 3-Day Sub-National Stepdown Training on Pediatric Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) Program

The Federal and State Ministries of Health, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), successfully organized a 3-day sub-national stepdown training on the Pediatric Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) program. The training aimed to strengthen healthcare providers' capacity to manage and scale up pediatric AHD services across health facilities.

The workshop brought together key healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, program coordinators, and frontline healthcare workers, to enhance their knowledge and skills in early diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of AHD-related complications.

Key sessions included:

*Basics of AHD: Foundational understanding of AHD in children.
*Co-morbidities in Children: *Identification and management of common co-morbidities in pediatric AHD cases.
*Malnutrition in Children and Adolescents with HIV: Addressing malnutrition and its impact on pediatric HIV care.
*AHD Components: Focused discussions on major AHD-related conditions such as cryptococcal meningitis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and pneumocystis pneumonia.
*Immunization in Pediatric AHD: The role of immunization in managing and preventing AHD-related complications.
*Pediatric AHD Package of Care: Comprehensive care packages for children and adolescents living with HIV.

The training also included practical sessions, case studies, and discussions on monitoring and evaluation strategies, referral systems, and supply chain management for AHD-related commodities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training and committed to cascading the knowledge gained to colleagues at the facility level. This initiative is expected to significantly improve access to quality pediatric HIV care and reduce AHD-related morbidity and mortality in children.

26/12/2024

21/12/2024

State-Level Training on the STOP AIDS Package: Strengthening Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Care.


The State-Level Training for Community Networks on the STOP AIDS Package for Pediatric and Adolescent Package of Care (APOC) is a key initiative aimed at equipping community network leaders with critical knowledge and skills to effectively implement the STOP AIDS package. This training focuses on improving care for pediatric and adolescent populations across Nigeria.

The Afrocab THRIVE Project, spearheaded by Afrocab in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Penta, is funded by UNITAID. It is dedicated to addressing Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) in Nigeria by collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Health. The project’s primary goals include reducing mortality and enhancing health outcomes for people living with HIV by improving access to quality AHD care.

Through this training, participants will gain a thorough understanding of the STOP AIDS package, enabling them to act as trainers within their networks and drive effective implementation. Your participation will be crucial to the success of this initiative, which seeks to improve the well-being and care of young individuals affected by HIV.

21/12/2024

AFROCAB team visited the state

AfroCAB is a network of African Community Advisory Boards (CABs) dedicated to improving health outcomes for people living with HIV.

We work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, health organizations, and National community group such as NEPWHAN and its Networks (ASWHAN, APYIN, NYNETHA, Key population group and able people with special needs), to implement programs that enhance the quality of care and support available to people living with HIV.

In collaboration with CHAI and Penta, we are implementing the THRIVE Project, a comprehensive effort aimed at addressing the challenges of AHD in Nigeria.

This initiative will focus on improving clinical management, increasing access to treatment, and enhancing community support systems for people living with AHD.

06/12/2024

COMMEMORATION OF WORLD AIDS DAY IN ANAMBRA STATE

06/12/2024

World AIDS Day 2024 Press Briefing by the Honourable Commissioner of Health Anambra State, Dr. Afam Obidike today being the 4th of December, 2024

Distinguished stakeholders, and esteemed guests,

Today, as we join the world in commemorating World AIDS Day 2024 under the theme "Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030" we reflect on the milestones achieved and the challenges that still lie ahead in our quest to achieve an AIDS-free Anambra State by 2030. This theme calls for deliberate, rights-based approaches that prioritize inclusion, equity, and the well-being of every individual, especially those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Anambra State has made tremendous progress in recent years. Through the partnership between the State Ministry of Health - State AIDS/STI Control Programme (SASCP), Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Key Implementing Partners, Development Partners, and Civil Society organizations, comprehensive HIV services have been extended to 175 health facilities across 21 LGAs. From January to October 2024 alone, 257,953 individuals were tested for HIV, with 3,138 (1.2%) newly testing positive and an impressive 99% of those tested positive, successfully linked to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, 49,067 individuals living with HIV have been placed on Anti-retroviral treatment. As part of the state’s HIV prevention efforts, the state, through its partners' support, has distributed 1,406,744 condoms and 26,640 lubricants to support safe practices among key populations and the general public. These distributions underline the state and its partners’ commitment to mitigating transmission risks and supporting comprehensive prevention strategies.

The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program has been pivotal to our progress in reducing pediatric HIV. According to Spectrum projections, an estimated 5,167 pregnant women in Anambra State required PMTCT services in 2024. Through the efforts of mentor mothers and implementing partners, there has been an increased demand for testing among pregnant women in the community, with 56,199 antenatal attendees tested for HIV, and 560 HIV-positive pregnant women (both known and new cases) identified, all of whom were successfully linked to care. The integration of innovative diagnostics like m-PIMA machines for Early Infant Diagnostics has improved our ability to test HIV-exposed infants and ensure they are linked to care promptly. This is a significant stride toward ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Rights-based approaches remain central to the efforts of the Anambra State Government Ensuring that services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner to foster increased uptake of services. Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), which provides multisectoral coordination for the state HIV response, promotes inclusive and sustainable responses in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The agency has strengthened Local Action Committees (LACAs) to provide the needed oversight at the Local Government level, and supported GBV and human rights interventions that pose a barrier to accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, in collaboration with the relevant line ministries. The current effort to domesticate the HIV anti-discrimination Act is a further testament to the proactive work of the Anambra State Government to protect the rights of those People Living with HIV.





Our focus on adolescents and young people has shown some improvement. In 2024, over 42 adolescents trained as Change Agents have driven HIV awareness campaigns in 179 communities in Anambra state. Additionally, targeted interventions for key populations and radio jingles have expanded access to HIV self-testing and HIV sensitization reaching over 5 million people. Likewise, HIV testing has improved with the distribution of HIV self-test kits.

Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence, human rights violations, and breaches of confidentiality in healthcare settings remain significant barriers, deterring many from seeking care or adhering to treatment. Operational hurdles, such as insecurity in parts of the state and disruptions from the sit-at-home directives, further hinder our efforts to deliver uninterrupted healthcare services. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, such as decentralized service delivery, enhanced training for healthcare workers, robust community engagement to combat stigma, and domesticating relevant laws to combat stigma and discrimination.

Looking ahead, the path to an AIDS-free Anambra State must be guided by equity, accountability, and resilience. We must continue to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, invest in local capacity-building, and expand access to inclusive, high-quality services for all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all organizations within the HIV response in Anambra state, your dedication, resilience, innovation, and collaboration in advancing the HIV response is not taken for granted. Your contributions have been invaluable in driving our collective progress and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Distinguished guests, the theme "Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children" serves as both a call to action and a roadmap. Let us re-commit to a future where every child, adolescent, and individual has access to the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

Together, we can achieve an AIDS-free Anambra State, a state where rights-based approaches ensure health equity and hope for all.

Thank you.