By George Omagbemi
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has unveiled a new telehealth service and its maiden newsletter as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care across the state.
The initiatives were launched, under the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State.”
The Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, said the telehealth platform was designed to take HIV-related information and support beyond traditional health facilities and closer to communities.
The service will provide confidential information, counselling and referrals on HIV testing, treatment, medication adherence, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), while helping residents overcome barriers linked to distance and stigma.
Okeke disclosed that more than 2,500 people had been tested for HIV since April 2026 through outreaches conducted in communities, motor parks, workplaces and tertiary institutions.
He added that the telehealth platform had been linked to about 176 primary healthcare centres offering HIV services across the state. Callers can be assessed and directed to appropriate facilities for care and follow-up.
The agency’s maiden newsletter is expected to document its activities, achievements and community interventions while providing residents and stakeholders with credible information about HIV prevention and available services.
Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, commended ANSACA for adopting digital technology to expand access to healthcare. He said the initiative would complement the state’s existing telemedicine programme and encourage early HIV testing.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Ifeoma Njelita, stressed that technology should strengthen, rather than replace, community-based healthcare. She also highlighted the importance of privacy, consent, cybersecurity and proper clinical oversight.
ANSACA said the initiative forms part of its broader HIV response, with the goal of improving prevention, treatment access and retention in care while reducing stigma and discrimination across Anambra.
Leave a Reply