Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has called for stronger protection of girls against gender-based violence (GBV), sexual abuse and exploitation, describing these as major threats to their health, dignity and future, particularly through increased vulnerability to HIV infection.
The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, made the call in a message to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
He commended the Government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for its sustained commitment to protecting women and children through strengthened legal safeguards, free education, child protection initiatives and efforts to combat sexual exploitation.
The ANSACA boss particularly extolled the recent directive to investigate and prosecute gender-based inheritance discrimination under the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017, which he described as a significant step towards protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Dr. Okeke also observed with gratitude, the efforts of the Governor’s wife, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, who has touched many lives through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, especially her advocacy against child abuse and support for justice, protection and rehabilitation of survivors.
“Protecting the girl child from sexual violence is protecting her from HIV. Sexual abuse exposes girls to HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and psychological trauma. Our HIV prevention efforts cannot succeed without addressing the violence and inequalities that make adolescent girls and young women vulnerable,” Dr. Okeke stated.
ANSACA reaffirmed its commitment to HIV awareness, prevention education, confidential testing, counselling and access to appropriate healthcare services. If further emphasised the importance of timely medical attention for survivors of sexual violence, including access to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of possible exposure, alongside psychosocial and legal support.
The agency urged parents, teachers, community leaders, security agencies and relevant government institutions to strengthen child protection, report abuse promptly and ensure that survivors receive support without stigma. It further called for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, healthcare providers and civil society organisations to integrate HIV prevention into GBV response programmes.
As Anambra joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Girl Child, Dr. Okeke reiterated that achieving an AIDS-free Anambra by 2030 requires protecting, educating and empowering every girl to live free from violence, discrimination and HIV.
Let’s Collectively ProtectTthe Girl Child. End Gender-Based Violence. Prevent HIV. Build an AIDS-Free Anambra.
