Stigma, GBV threaten HIV control, Lagos agency warns

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency has introduced a newsletter and telehealth service to enhance HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care across the state. Dr Nkem Okeke, the Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, unveiled the initiatives at a ceremony in Awka on Wednesday. The agency has already tested over 2,500 people for HIV since April 2026 through community, motor park, workplace, and tertiary institution outreaches.

Additionally, community structures such as Ward Action Committees on AIDS and Campus Action Committees on AIDS have been established. The telehealth service, which includes dedicated hotlines for counselling and referrals, aims to remove physical barriers to healthcare access and ensure confidentiality. The new initiatives mark a significant step towards integrating digital health and transparency into the state's public health framework.