The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has sensitized pregnant mothers on ways of effective protection against transmitting HIV to the unborn babies.

The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hilary Nkem Okeke, made this known during the World Breastfeeding Week programme held in partnership with the Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA), in Ogidi, the Council headquarters .

Okeke reassured women living with HIV that an HIV positive status does not prevent them from having healthy children when they receive appropriate medical care.

He pointed out that pregnant women living with HIV who enrol early in antenatal care, take antiretroviral medicines consistently and follow professional medical advice can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.

According to him, pregnant women should know their HIV status early and remain committed to treatment where necessary, stressing that effective HIV care can help mothers protect their babies from HIV infection.

He called on pregnant women and nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, describing the practice as essential to proper nutrition, healthy development and protection against childhood illnesses.

The ANSACA boss commended the State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its investment in maternal and child healthcare, particularly the provision of free antenatal and delivery services in government hospitals across the state.

Okeke,hailed the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, for partnering with ANSACA on the programme, describing breast milk as a baby’s first source of protection, urging mothers to disregard misinformation and harmful practices that could interfere with exclusive breastfeeding.

He explained that exclusive breastfeeding means giving a baby only breast milk for the first six months, except where medicines or supplements are medically indicated.

“Breast milk gives every baby a healthy start, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains strongly encouraged. With early antenatal care, consistent treatment and proper medical guidance, women living with HIV can have healthy, HIV-free babies.

“It’s not true that if you breastfeed your babies as a HIV carrier that you’ll transmit the virus to your babies. Knowing your status and engaging in the adequate treatment and care, will drastically reduce Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (MTCT),” he stated.

While appealing to employers and institutions to adopt breastfeeding friendly policies, he noted such measures enable working mothers to continue breastfeeding after childbirth, including adequate maternity leave and supportive workplace arrangements.

He congratulated the Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, on receiving the 2026 BudgIT Active Citizens Award in Health Activism, describing the recognition as a reflection of her advocacy for improved health and wellbeing.

Also speaking, the Director of Primary Healthcare, Idemili North LGA, Lady Chinwe Okeke, said exclusive breastfeeding provides babies with essential nutrients and helps strengthen their developing immune systems.

In her remarks, the wife of the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Lady Eberechukwu Nkwoka, called on mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding and support efforts aimed at improving the health of children and families in the community.

Contributing, some beneficiaries of the state’s free maternal healthcare programme, including Iheukwumere Ezeakor, Adaora Aghalike and Chinecherem Amaife, shared their experiences and lauded the State government’s free antenatal and delivery services available across public hospitals in the State.

The programme reinforced the importance of combining breastfeeding support, antenatal care, HIV prevention and accessible maternal health services to give mothers and children a healthier start in life.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: ANSACA Executive Director, Nkem Okeke (right) with other resource persons at the Breastfeeding Week in Anambra State.