NACA picks Anambra as pilot state for HIV prevention plan

Anambra State is set to become a trailblazer in Nigeria's fight against HIV/AIDS, having been selected as the pilot state for the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030). This significant development, announced during a strategic visit by the Executive Director/Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Nkem Okeke, to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) headquarters in Abuja, underscores Anambra's commitment to leading the charge in grassroots HIV response.

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The visit formally introduced Okeke as the new head of ANSACA and provided a platform to deepen national collaboration, strengthen technical partnerships, and align Anambra State’s HIV response with national priorities.

Okeke's visit served not only to introduce himself as the new head of ANSACA but also to forge deeper national collaborations and align the state's HIV strategy with national priorities. His vision is clear: to extend HIV awareness, prevention, and testing services to every corner of Anambra State, with a particular focus on key and vulnerable populations. This data-driven, community-owned approach is central to reducing new infections and accelerating progress towards epidemic control. The emphasis on grassroots outreach and community ownership is particularly relevant in the Nigerian context, where localized solutions are often most effective.

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He emphasised targeted interventions for key and vulnerable populations, data-driven programming, and community ownership as critical pillars for reducing new infections and accelerating progress toward epidemic control.

NACA, through its Director of Community Prevention and Care Services, Dr. James Anenih, lauded Anambra's proactive stance and strategic direction, noting its strong alignment with Nigeria's renewed HIV prevention priorities. The selection of Anambra as a pilot state is a recognition of its readiness, innovative spirit, and commitment to translating national policy into tangible, community-level outcomes. Dr. Sam Anya of UNAIDS further reinforced the importance of a multisectoral approach, emphasizing the alignment with the "One Strategy" framework. This collaborative spirit, involving government, civil society, and development partners, is seen as crucial for ensuring efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. Anambra's role as a pilot state is thus not just a recognition of past efforts but a mandate to innovate and lead the way for other states in Nigeria.

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In recognition of the state’s readiness, strategic positioning, and commitment to innovation, the state is being considered as a pilot for the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan. This positions Anambra as a leading model for translating national policy into impactful, community-level results.