UNICEF to Support Anambra HIV Response, Maternal Health Programmes from 2027
By Uzo Ugwunze
The UNICEF Enugu Field Office has expressed readiness to commence support for the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) programmes in the first quarter of 2027, in a move expected to boost the state’s HIV response efforts.
The commitment was conveyed by UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, on October 16, 2026.
During the meeting, Dr. Okeke briefed the UNICEF team on Anambra State’s HIV response workplan, ongoing interventions and priority programmes aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, treatment and care services across the state.
According to both organisations, the proposed collaboration will provide an opportunity to explore areas of partnership and improve access to HIV services and overall health outcomes for residents of Anambra State.
The engagement underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing HIV prevention, expanding access to essential healthcare services and working towards an AIDS-free Anambra.
In a related engagement, the UNICEF Enugu Field Office also held discussions with ANSACA on strengthening maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) interventions in the state.
Discussions during the meeting focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and complementary approaches to improving access to essential health services for women, newborns, children and adolescents.
Key areas highlighted included alternative models of health service delivery, strengthening community networks for disease surveillance, and leveraging community-based structures to promote antenatal care (ANC) attendance, skilled birth attendance and institutional deliveries.
The team noted that these approaches could help strengthen linkages between communities and health facilities and encourage timely access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare services.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on strengthening coordination, leveraging institutional expertise and fostering collaboration among relevant health sector stakeholders in support of Anambra State’s health priorities.
The ongoing dialogue reflects the importance of sustained inter-agency engagement in exploring complementary approaches to strengthening health systems and improving access to essential health services for women, children and adolescents across Anambra State.
