The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has taken the health outreach  campaigns on HIV prevention, testing and other integrated health services directly to rural dwellers in Anambra State.       

The outreach is designed to ensure free HIV testing and counselling, hepatitis screening, tuberculosis (TB) screening, blood pressure checks and health education.   

In continuation of its grassroots community health outreach across the State, ANSACA stormed Abacha Community Hall Olise Market in Idemili North Local Government Council Area of the State,where the traditional ruler and other community leaders led other residents for the screening and tests. .

The exercise took place during the Abacha Youth Unity Hangout 2026, organised by the Abacha Youth Association, with the purpose of providing an opportunity for ANSACA to reach young people and other members of the community with essential preventive health services.

Beyond testing, the ANSACA team sensitised residents on HIV and other communicable diseases, the importance of knowing their health status, early detection and treatment, healthy lifestyles, and the need to avoid drug abuse and other behaviours that could negatively affect their health and wellbeing.                  

Addressing the participants, the Execution  Director/Project Manager, of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke said the slogan for the campaign is “Know Your Status. Prevention Starts in the Community.”.                                                            

Dr. Okeke explained that ANSACA was increasingly promoting integrated community health services, whereby HIV outreaches could, where appropriate, incorporate health education, screening and referrals for other health conditions.

He hinted that the approach would help maximise available resources, improve efficiency and bring more essential health services closer to communities.                                     

Dr.Okeke said the Agency remains committed to strengthening its grassroots and community-based approach to HIV prevention and control by taking testing, counselling, health education and other integrated services closer to communities across the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the traditional ruler of Abacha, HRH Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, (Ezedioramma Oranyelueze Ikedim III),  commended the ANSACA initiative and encouraged members of the community to take advantage of preventive healthcare services.             

The monarch who led by example by being the first person to volunteer for the screening tests noted that health is wealth.

Also speaking,  the President of the Abacha Youth Association, Solomon Onyiagha,thanked  ANSACA for  bringing the services closer to the people at the grassroots level, expressing the association’s willingness to continue partnering with government and other stakeholders to promote the health and development of the Community.

Residents, particularly young people, turned out in good numbers to access the free services, reinforcing the importance of taking healthcare beyond facilities and directly to communities where the not-so-rich people live, work and gather.

Meanwhile. ANSACA has expressed commitment in establishing a stronger partnership with JNC International Limited (JNCI) to expand HIV services, strengthen community based interventions and support the sustainability of the State’s HIV response.

Speaking when an ANSACA delegation, led by the Executive Director/Project Manager, Dr.  Okeke, paid an advocacy visit to JNCI’s Abuja office to explore areas of partnership and private-sector support, both teams focussed discussions on community HIV outreach, integrated testing services, diagnostic commodities, capacity building and training, technical support and other community-level health interventions.

Dr. Okeke highlighted the commitment of the Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo to strengthen healthcare delivery and develop sustainable health systems.

He said ANSACA was committed to expanding HIV prevention and testing services while strengthening public private partnerships to accelerate progress towards Zero New HIV Infections by 2030.

According to him, greater private sector participation is essential to sustaining the HIV response, particularly as donor funding and the global health financing landscape continue to change.

The ANSACA delegation included Barr. Onochie Kingsley, APGA candidate for Idemili North State Constituency in the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election; Adinma Onochie, Technical Lead, National Committee on Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Certification; and MLS Igwe Ogbonna, Laboratory Scientist.

The delegation was received by Mrs. Esther Herbert-Ndumele, Business Manager, Project Sales and Abbott RDTs, JNC International Ltd, and Madam Lara Lawal, Head, Special Projects and Governmental Affairs.