ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) has lamented the high rate of transmission of HIV in the state.
According to the agency, the state is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people aged 15 to 49 years.
This was made known by the Executive Director of ANSACA, Mr Johnbosco Ementa, at a two-day stakeholders meeting put together by the agency on Thursday in Awka, the state capital.
Ementa said the meeting was for the stakeholders to brainstorm on how best to scale up campaigns to eliminate HIV transmission in the state.
He said, “It is unfortunate to note that Anambra is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people aged 15 to 49 years.
“The agency is working tirelessly to ensure its reduction or elimination by promoting behavioural change in both low and high population, increase awareness and sensitisation among the general population.
“We are also working with targeted stakeholders, to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the state.
“Let me also inform you that plans are underway to domesticate the 2014 HIV Anti Stigma Bill in Anambra state.”
Ementa said the meeting was an opportunity to interact, share knowledge and highlight challenges with a view to addressing them.
Speaking also, Dr Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, called for more efforts to reduce HIV transmission in the state.
Obidike who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Afam Anaeme, said that HIV prevention was a task that should be accomplished and sustained in the state.
“The pattern of transmission of the disease has made prevention a bit difficult in the state but Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is determined to give residents quality healthcare service delivery.
“I urge the agency to do more to ensure that the transmission of HIV is drastically reduced in the state,” he said