Anambra State Government To Launch State HIV Integration And Addiction Care Programme, Strengthen Response To Substance Use Disorders

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has announced plans to launch the Anambra Integrated HIV and Addiction Care Programme(AIHAC) as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, adherence and rehabilitation services across the state.

The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hillary Nkem Okeke, disclosed this during a working visit to the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, on Aug 5, saying the programme would be anchored on Eight pillars including integration of HIV prevention and treatment, mental health services, MAT Services, Telehealth, viral hepatitis care, tuberculosis (TB) care, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

“Our goal is to make integrated healthcare services more accessible, ensuring that people who need them are aware that these services are available in Anambra State,” Dr. Okeke noted.

Dr. Okeke described the MAT Centre as a critical component of Anambra State’s response to substance use disorders and the prevention of HIV and viral hepatitis, noting that the facility is one of the few MAT centres in Nigeria, established with support from the Global Fund.

According to him, the centre provides evidence based treatment for people living with opioid dependence through medication and structured psychosocial support while serving as an important entry point for reaching people who inject drugs(PWIDs) as well as increased risk of HIV and viral hepatitis because of unsafe injecting practices.

He said clients who visit the facility are routinely screened for HIV and viral hepatitis. Those who test positive are linked to treatment and care, while those who test negative receive counselling and prevention services to reduce their risk of infection.

“The MAT Centre provides treatment and rehabilitation support for people living with substance use disorders. Beyond medication, clients receive psychosocial support that helps them recover and reintegrate into society,” he added.

Dr. Okeke encouraged individuals struggling with opioid dependence and the misuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine to seek professional treatment at the MAT Centre.

He disclosed that ANSACA would strengthen community based interventions by training community service providers, including patent medicine vendors, on safer practices to reduce the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs.

He noted that expanding harm reduction services at both facility and community levels would improve health outcomes, reduce new HIV infections and support Anambra State’s goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.

The ANSACA Executive Director commended Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for providing the political support that has sustained the establishment and operation of the MAT Centre.

Dr. Okeke expressed appreciation to the Global Fund, AHNI , the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the management of COOUTH and other implementing partners for their continued support.

He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would improve treatment outcomes, expand access to integrated healthcare services and help more people living with substance use disorders rebuild healthy and productive lives.

Also speaking, the Senior Technical Officer for Key Populations and Harm Reduction at AHNI, Mr. Femi Owolabi, described the MAT Centre as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s harm reduction strategy.

According to him, MAT combines evidence based medications such as methadone with structured psychosocial support to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and support long-term recovery.

He explained that the programme provides individualized counselling and evidence based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to address the underlying causes of substance use while ensuring every client receives confidential, respectful and patient centred care.

Owolabi noted that MAT is one of the three major pillars of harm reduction, alongside the Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) and Community Naloxone Distribution, all designed to reduce HIV, viral hepatitis and other health risks associated with drug use.

He commended the collaboration among the Global Fund, the Anambra State Government, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, COOUTH and AHNI, describing it as critical to expanding access to quality treatment, rehabilitation and HIV prevention services for vulnerable populations.