Anambra State government has called for open and regular discussions about HIV at the family unit, saying it could help curb the spread of the disease in the state.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, made the call during a chat with journalists at the weekend.
He said families must make renewed efforts to make HIV a strategic family conversation, stressing that everyone has a role to play in achieving holistic epidemic control in Anambra State and Nigeria.
Okeke emphasized that HIV prevention, testing, treatment and the fight against stigma should not be the sole responsibility of government and healthcare professionals, but families and communities should engage in open and regular discussions about it.
“HIV needs to be made a strategic family conversation again, and everybody must be involved in the drive to achieve holistic epidemic control in Anambra, and indeed Nigeria.
“Encouraging honest conversations about HIV within families would promote early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, while inspiring healthier lifestyle choices among young people and adults.
“The fight against HIV requires the collective efforts of parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, schools, the media and other stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen preventive measures.
“ANSACA is committed to expanding public awareness campaigns and deepening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections while ensuring that people living with HIV have continued access to quality care, treatment and support. We only call on the people to cooperate with us,” he said.
Okeke urged residents of Anambra State to know their HIV status through regular testing and support ongoing efforts to eliminate the epidemic in the state and across the country.
