Anambra State Boosts Economic Opportunities for HIV Community

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) have initiated a program to expand economic opportunities for people living with HIV. This initiative was discussed during a meeting at the ASBA office in Awka, where they aimed to create pathways for eligible individuals to access enterprise development programs, cooperatives, business clusters, and credit facilities.

Mr Paschal Igbokwe, representing ANSACA's Executive Director Dr Nkem Okeke, identified stigma, discrimination, unemployment, and inadequate access to business capital as significant challenges for this community. Mr Nonso Emeka, the Acting Managing Director of ASBA, expressed support for the initiative and highlighted the agency's role in providing business development support across various sectors.

He encouraged people living with HIV to form cooperatives to enhance access to business support. ASBA also offers entrepreneurship training programs in collaboration with DBN, focusing on business development and financial literacy.

Both agencies committed to ongoing communication to facilitate participation in economic empowerment programs for people living with HIV.