Awka, September 22, 2026 — The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has unveiled its maiden Newsletter and Telehealth Service as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to HIV prevention, information, counselling, testing, treatment and care across Anambra State.
The unveiling, held at Chiben Hotel, Awka, had the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, described the initiatives as another major step towards taking the State’s HIV response to the last mile and ensuring that distance, stigma, discrimination or lack of information does not prevent anyone from accessing appropriate services.
Dr. Okeke explained that the Telehealth Service provides a confidential channel through which residents can access HIV information and counselling, guidance on HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), treatment adherence and referrals to appropriate facilities.
He disclosed that about 176 health facilities offering free HIV services across Anambra State have been linked to the referral pathway, enabling callers to be directed to services closest and most appropriate to them.
According to the Executive Director, ANSACA has tested over 2,500 persons since April 2026 through community outreaches, workplaces, motor parks, tertiary institutions and other targeted interventions. The Agency has also strengthened community-level structures through Ward Action Committees on AIDS (WACA) and Campus Action Committees on AIDS (CACA), with CACA currently covering 27 tertiary institutions across the State.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, commended ANSACA for deploying digital innovation to improve access to health information and services, noting that the Telehealth Service complements the State Government’s broader telemedicine programme.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Ifeoma Njelita, emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of digital healthcare while strengthening privacy, confidentiality, consent, data security and local ownership of the HIV response under the Anambra State 2026–2028 HIV Strategic Plan.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, KSP, commended ANSACA for introducing the Newsletter and Telehealth Service, describing the initiatives as important tools for strengthening communication, documentation, community engagement and access to HIV information and care.
Also gracing the occasion was the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka, Oke-Ebo, who joined other stakeholders in expressing support for initiatives aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, awareness and access to care across the State.
The Mayor of Idemili North, Sir Stanley Nkwoka, extolled the leadership of the ANSACA Executive Director. Recalling his experience working with Dr. Okeke when he served as Supervisor for Health in Idemili North, Sir Nkwoka expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver and further strengthen the HIV response in Anambra State.
Also present were the Mayor of Idemili South, Chief Mrs. Amaka Obi, and representative of the Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, Hon Onyebuchi Okpala JP, alongside representatives of SASCP, ASHIA, JHPIEGO, ASTUC, ASWHAN, KP Secretariat, traditional institutions, health-sector stakeholders, community representatives and other partners in the State HIV response.
The maiden ANSACA Newsletter will provide a platform for documenting the Agency’s programmes, partnerships, milestones and public health information, while the Telehealth Service will provide a direct and confidential bridge between communities and available HIV prevention, treatment and support services.
Dr. Okeke reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment to ensuring that no resident is left behind because of stigma, distance or lack of information, stressing that expanded testing is essential for identifying people who do not know their HIV status, linking those who test positive to treatment and strengthening prevention efforts.
The Agency expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, stakeholders, partners, traditional institutions, community structures, healthcare workers and the media for their continued support.
ANSACA remains committed to the vision of an AIDS-Free Anambra State with Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Stigma and Discrimination by 2030.
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