𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗜𝗩 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
The Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), 𝗗𝗿. 𝗡𝗸𝗲𝗺 𝗢𝗸𝗲𝗸𝗲 has called for renewed efforts to make HIV a strategic family conversation, stressing that everyone has a role to play in achieving holistic epidemic control in Anambra State and Nigeria.
Dr. Okeke made the call during an interview on Arise News, where he emphasized that HIV prevention, testing, treatment and the fight against stigma should not be the sole responsibility of government and healthcare professionals. Instead, he urged families and communities to engage in open and regular discussions about the disease.
According to him, “HIV needs to be made a strategic family conversation again, and everybody must be involved in the drive to achieve holistic epidemic control in Anambra, and indeed Nigeria.”
He explained that encouraging honest conversations about HIV within families would promote early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, while inspiring healthier lifestyle choices among young people and adults.
Dr. Okeke emphasized that the fight against HIV requires the collective efforts of parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, schools, the media and other stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen preventive measures.
He reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment to expanding public awareness campaigns and deepening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections while ensuring that people living with HIV have continued access to quality care, treatment and support.
He urged residents of Anambra State to know their HIV status through regular testing and support ongoing efforts to eliminate the epidemic in the state and across the country.
By Obianuju Isima
Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
