By Chukwudi Nwauba :
The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has partnered with the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative to enroll no fewer than 200 Persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) into the State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA).
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Equalize To End AIDS; Equal Access To Prevention and Treatment.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike reiterated the commitment of Gov. Charles Soludo led administration in ensuring that people living with the disease get access to affordable healthcare services without being stigmatized.
Dr. Obidike said this during a press briefing in his Ministry at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
He said that the state has increased HIV treatment sites in the state from 104 to 1,017 in the last eight months.
“HIV self testing kit is available for people who do not want to be tested outside, and the Anambra State government is working tirelessly to educate people on what they need to know about the disease, how to prevent it.”
The press briefing was organized by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and partners to commemorate 2022 World AIDS Day.
He explained HIV/AIDS to be one of the diseases of public importance, and assured that the State government would continue to engage partners and well meaning individuals to assist people living with the disease.
“It transmits from person to person through body fluids during sexual intercourse, mother to child during pregnancy, labor and delivery, breast feeding, blood transfusion and risky sexual behaviours.
“Using the Anambra state’s most recent HIV prevalence of two point four percent, and projected population of over six million people in the state, and a spectrum projection for 2022, they have a testing target of over 90,000 but has so far reached over 42,000.’’
According to him, Anambra is one of the states in Nigeria with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and the high prevalence indicates that more people in the state are being tested on a daily basis.
Dr. Obidike said that the ministry in collaboration with implementing partners set up two community teams per local government area in the state that conducts free HIV testing and counseling in communities, churches and markets across the state.
“To mark this year’s event we have set up multiple testing points for free HIV testing at strategic locations, road walk at major cities of the state, including Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha.
“We have embarked on massive public sensitization, aimed at reducing new infections, educating the society on modes of transmission and improving HIV counseling and testing services.
“We have also taken the HIV prevention and counseling to higher institutions of learning, National Youth Service Corps camp.
“May I use this opportunity to appreciate our partners, AHNI, AHF, UNICEF, UNAIDS, CHAI, and IHVN for their numerous support to the state’s HIV/AIDS response.’’
Dr. Obidike maintained that in limiting some of the challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, the state in partnership with partners enrolled the 200 people living with the virus into ASHIA.
Present during the briefing Include, the Anambra State AIDS Control Coordinator, Dr. Afam Anaeme, the Executive Director, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) Mr. Johnbosco Ementa, Dr. Adaora Anosike of UNAIDS.
The Information Officer reports from Ministry of Health, Anambra State.
