Anambra State Reports 98,960 Residents Living with HIV/AIDS Ahead of World AIDS Day

The Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) disclosed that a staggering 98,960 individuals are currently living with HIV/AIDS in the state. Dr. Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health in Anambra, revealed this statistic during a media briefing in Awka ahead of the 2023 World AIDS Day, scheduled for December 1.

The commissioner highlighted that Anambra’s HIV prevalence, at 1.4%, ranks as the fifth highest nationwide and the highest in the South East region. Of the estimated affected population, 58% are aware of their HIV status, with only 44,808 individuals currently undergoing treatment.

Dr. Obidike emphasized the state’s commitment to achieving the Global 95-95-95 targets, stating, “We are currently at 65:81:93.” He also noted positive trends, including a 46% decline in new infections and a 32% reduction in AIDS-related deaths between 2021 and 2023.

Addressing prevention efforts, the commissioner underscored the importance of Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission services, stressing that HIV is no longer a death sentence with the advent of Anti Retro-viral Therapy (ART).

In a bid to combat stigma and discrimination, the state is actively expanding access to HIV self-testing. Dr. Afam Anaeme, Director of Public Health, highlighted the need for community involvement in planning and implementing HIV programs.

“Communities are people living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV, and they need to lead the frontline of progress in the HIV response,” said Mr. Anaeme, emphasizing the pivotal role of community participation in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence in Anambra.

Johnbosco Ementa, Executive Director of ANSACA, encouraged residents to utilize the free testing centers across the state, revealing that the government had increased HIV treatment sites from 104 to 1,182 through collaboration with various partners. The state has also deployed mobile testing units, home-based testing, and community outreaches to enhance testing coverage and accessibility.

Ementa expressed gratitude to partners, including Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, AIDS Health-care Foundation, UNAIDS, CHAI, and Global Fund, for their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Anambra.