Anambra government urges open family discussions about HIV to curb spread

The Anambra State government has urged families to engage in open, regular conversations about HIV, stating that such dialogue could help reduce the disease’s spread within the state.

Dr. Nkem Okeke, Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), made the announcement during a weekend discussion with journalists.

He called on households to treat HIV as a strategic topic for discussion, emphasizing that everyone has a role in achieving comprehensive epidemic control in Anambra State and across Nigeria.

Okeke highlighted that prevention, testing, treatment and stigma reduction should not rest solely on the government and healthcare providers; families and communities must also participate in candid, ongoing discussions about the issue.

“HIV must be brought back into strategic family conversations, and everyone must be involved in the effort to achieve holistic epidemic control in Anambra, and indeed Nigeria,” he said.

“Encouraging honest conversations about HIV within families would promote early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, and inspire healthier lifestyle choices among young people and adults.”

“The fight against HIV requires the collective efforts of parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, schools, the media and other stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen preventive measures.”

“ANSACA is committed to expanding public awareness campaigns and deepening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections while ensuring that people living with HIV have continued access to quality care, treatment and support. We only call on the people to cooperate with us,” he added.

Okeke urged residents of Anambra State to determine their HIV status through regular testing and to support ongoing efforts to eliminate the epidemic in the state and nationwide.