Anambra to Launch 1,693-Member HIV/AIDS Brigade

Anambra State is set to strengthen its grassroots HIV response by establishing a 1,693-member Ward HIV/AIDS Brigade, as announced by Dr Nkem Okeke, the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, during a strategic engagement with LACA managers and HAB coordinators in Awka. This initiative aims to expand HIV awareness, prevention, testing, referrals, and linkage to care within communities.

Dr Okeke emphasized the importance of revitalizing local structures like LACA to enhance coordination of HIV interventions. He stated that ANSACA would assess grassroots structures based on performance and measurable impact.

The proposed brigade will work alongside LACA, HAB, and other community structures to provide reliable HIV information and services. Okeke reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment to achieving zero new HIV infections in Anambra by 2030, highlighting that the effectiveness of the HIV response will be measured by its impact at the grassroots level, including the number of people informed about their HIV status and linked to care.