Anambra Govt calls for open discussions about HIV in homes to curb spread
Anambra State Advocates for Family Discussions on HIV Awareness
The Anambra State government is encouraging families to engage in open and regular discussions about HIV as a means to curb the disease’s spread within the region.
Dr. Nkem Okeke, Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), made this statement during a recent conversation with journalists.
Okeke stressed the importance of incorporating HIV into family discussions, noting that every individual has a role in achieving comprehensive epidemic control in Anambra and across Nigeria. He asserted that the prevention, testing, treatment, and stigma reduction surrounding HIV should not rest solely with government entities and healthcare professionals. Families and communities must be actively involved.
“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,” Okeke said.
He highlighted that fostering honest conversations about HIV can encourage early testing, enhance access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote healthier lifestyle choices among both young people and adults.
“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,” Okeke added.
ANSACA remains committed to expanding public awareness campaigns and strengthening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections. Okeke appealed for cooperation from residents to ensure individuals living with HIV receive quality care, treatment, and support.
He urged the people of Anambra State to understand their HIV status through regular testing and to support ongoing initiatives aimed at eliminating the epidemic in both the state and the nation.
