Anambra State AIDS Viral Hepatitis & STI Control Programme

A major step forward for public health in Anambra State!

Today, government leaders, health experts, development partners, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders came together in Awka for a High-Level Stakeholder Engagement on the Triple Elimination of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, increasing investments, expanding access to testing and treatment, and eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these diseases.

Some key outcomes include:
🔹 Scaling up Triple Testing services in antenatal care facilities
🔹 Strengthening laboratory and surveillance systems
🔹 Expanding public awareness campaigns
🔹 Improving access to testing and treatment services
🔹 Promoting stronger public-private partnerships
🔹 Advocating for increased government funding for elimination efforts

Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring that every child in Anambra State is born free from HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.

The journey to Triple Elimination requires all hands on deck—and together, we can achieve it.

ANAMBRA STRENGTHENS DRIVE TO ELIMINATE HIV, HEPATITIS B AND SYPHILIS THROUGH HIGH-LEVEL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis as public health threats following a high-level stakeholder engagement held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Awka.

The meeting, themed “Synergizing Efforts Towards Triple Elimination: Strengthening Investment, Innovation, and Collaboration to End HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Syphilis in Anambra State,” was convened by National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) in Collaboration the Anambra State Ministry of Health supported by Trinity Healthcare Foundation (THF) and Abbott

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, highlighted the state’s achievements in HIV prevention, treatment and care, including expanded access to services, improved treatment coverage and high viral suppression rates. He emphasized the need to identify undiagnosed cases and eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis through integrated health interventions.
He also highlighted the free antenal and delivery services policy of Mr. Governor in Anambra as a key factor in identifying and eliminating the transmission of these disease from mother to child.

Goodwill messages from development partners and stakeholders commended the Anambra State Government’s leadership and pledged continued support through technical assistance, resource mobilization and strategic partnerships.

In her keynote address, the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, described Triple Elimination as a vital investment in the health of mothers and children. She advocated early antenatal care attendance, routine screening, timely treatment and continuity of care, while calling for stronger collaboration to tackle stigma and improve health outcomes.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved to scale up Triple Testing services across antenatal care facilities, strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems, expand public awareness campaigns and deepen public-private partnerships to accelerate progress towards eliminating HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis in Anambra State.

The engagement was attended by representatives of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, NASCP, WHO, AHNi, AHF, KNCV, Jhpiego, Abbott Diagnostics, NEPWHAN, WACPHD, Trinity Healthcare Foundation and other key stakeholders.

Anambra Strengthens Commitment to Eliminating Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission at Expanded PMTCT Technical Working Group Meeting.

By Isaac Chukwurah

Stakeholders in Anambra State’s health sector convened on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Trig Premium Hotel, Nibo, for the Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Technical Working Group Meeting aimed at reviewing health interventions and strengthening service delivery across the state.

The meeting focused on assessing ongoing interventions in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and PMTCT. Participants also reviewed program achievements and challenges, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and developed strategies for improved healthcare outcomes.

In her opening remarks, the State AIDS and STIs Programme Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, highlighted the strong data-driven commitment of the Honourable Commissioner for Health towards integrating PMTCT with other disease control programmes. She urged participants to engage actively as the state intensifies efforts to achieve epidemic control of HIV, particularly among pregnant women and their infants.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key implementing partners and stakeholders, including Dr. Elizabeth of AHNI, Madam Charity of AHF, Blessing of CHAI, representatives of NEPWHAN, and Mr. Donald of ANSACA.

Presentations during the meeting featured first-quarter 2026 performance data on RMNCAEH, Nutrition, Malaria, NCDs, and PMTCT programmes. Updates were also presented on PMTCT services in AHNI- and AHF-supported facilities across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben, who attended the meeting, emphasized the need for a detailed review of identified gaps, stressing that the state maintains zero tolerance for service delivery shortcomings. He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to drastically reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

According to the Commissioner, attendance at such review meetings remains crucial as they provide a platform for data-driven decision-making. He reaffirmed the state government’s target of reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission to 0.5 percent.

As part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes, the Commissioner directed that Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) be identified and enlisted within one week to strengthen referrals and reduce preventable maternal and child mortality.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo, commended the efforts of the state team, implementing partners, and other critical stakeholders for their contributions towards improving health outcomes in the state. She, however, called for more robust participation from all concerned stakeholders, particularly in terms of attendance and quality representation at technical review meetings, stressing that stronger collaboration remains essential for achieving the state’s health goals.

The meeting attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben; the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo; the Head of Administration, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank; NASCP South-East Zonal Technical Officer, Rosemary Akpati; development partners, implementing agencies, and other health sector stakeholders.

Can you hear the sound of that...

Yeah!
Anambra State is ready.

Clock it🫰👌