The Anambra State Government has been identified as a potential pilot state for the implementation of Nigeria’s National HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (2026–2030), marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to curb new infections and strengthen response systems.
The development follows renewed collaboration between the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), alongside key development partners.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, disclosed the development on Wednesday after a strategic advocacy visit to the NACA Secretariat in Abuja.
According to Okeke, the visit provided an opportunity to formally introduce his leadership and reinforce coordination between the state and national HIV response structures. He added that discussions focused on strengthening technical partnerships and aligning Anambra’s HIV strategy with national priorities.
He noted that the state’s approach would prioritise expanded awareness campaigns, improved prevention and testing services, and deeper penetration into grassroots communities across all local government areas. Targeted interventions for key and vulnerable populations, he said, would remain central to the strategy.
Okeke emphasised the importance of data-driven programming and community ownership in reducing new infections and accelerating progress toward epidemic control.
Responding, the Director of Community Prevention and Care Services at NACA, Dr James Anenih, commended Anambra’s preparedness, describing its framework as “clear, energetic and well-aligned” with Nigeria’s evolving HIV prevention priorities.
Anenih confirmed that Anambra is being considered for pilot implementation due to its strategic readiness and innovation-driven response model.
Also speaking, Dr Sam Anya of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS stressed the need for a multisectoral approach. He highlighted the importance of aligning federal and state strategies under a unified “One Strategy” framework to ensure efficiency and measurable outcomes.
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He further called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to achieve long-term impact in HIV prevention.
If confirmed, Anambra’s selection as a pilot state is expected to serve as a model for scaling up effective HIV prevention strategies across Nigeria.
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