Residents of Anambra State have been advised to disregard unverified HIV-related statistics circulating on social media and instead obtain information from official health authorities, as the state government intensifies efforts to combat the spread of the virus through expanded testing and awareness campaigns.
The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr Nkem Okeke, gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Awka on Wednesday, saying misinformation could create unnecessary panic and undermine public health interventions.
According to him, HIV statistics should always be interpreted carefully because the number of confirmed cases depends largely on the extent of testing, the populations targeted and the coverage of screening exercises.
Okeke explained that Anambra has significantly expanded community-based HIV testing through various initiatives designed to reach more people, especially those considered to be at higher risk of infection.
One of such programmes is the Moonlight Testing Programme, which operates between 7 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to provide confidential HIV testing and related health services to key populations.
“It is important for members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities for HIV-related updates, rather than unconfirmed figures and misinformation on social media.
“Anambra State has intensified community-based HIV testing through several initiatives, including the Moonlight Testing Programme, which operates between 7 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to reach key populations.
“The initiative is aimed at expanding access to HIV testing, linking those who test positive to treatment and care, while providing preventive services such as counselling and free condoms.”
He added that HIV testing is routinely conducted across communities, markets, churches and other public places through approved outreach programmes aimed at increasing early diagnosis and treatment.
According to him, recent community testing exercises were carried out in partnership with healthcare institutions and medical students in locations including St. Paul's, Ogidi, Nanka, Onitsha and Awka, helping to broaden access to testing services.
Okeke also reassured residents that HIV test results remain strictly confidential and are protected by ethical and legal standards.
He stressed that responsible organisations do not disclose the identities or medical results of individuals who undergo HIV screening, urging residents to have confidence in the confidentiality of the testing process.
The ANSACA boss further disclosed that any organisation planning to conduct HIV-related programmes within government institutions or public facilities in Anambra must first obtain approval from either the agency or the Anambra State Ministry of Health. He said the measure is intended to ensure proper coordination, maintain quality standards and guarantee compliance with national HIV response guidelines.
Speaking on the broader HIV situation, Okeke acknowledged that the disease remains a major public health challenge despite significant advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the years.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many HIV awareness campaigns and diverted health resources, slowing service delivery and reducing public attention to HIV prevention in several communities.
Highlighting vulnerable groups, Okeke identified adolescents and young people as a major focus of the state's prevention efforts due to social, economic and behavioural factors that increase their risk of contracting HIV.
He called for stronger parental guidance, greater community participation, improved school-based health education and sustained youth-focused awareness campaigns to discourage risky behaviours and reduce new infections.
“Anambra State is supporting the implementation of the National HIV Prevention Plan, which focuses on reaching young people with age-appropriate HIV prevention education before they become exposed to high-risk behaviours.
“We express optimism that sustained awareness, expanded testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment would significantly reduce new HIV infections and strengthen the state’s efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.
“The fight against HIV requires the collective commitment of government, healthcare workers, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and residents. Increased public awareness, wider access to HIV testing and early treatment remain critical to achieving an HIV-free Anambra State.”
Okeke said the state government remains committed to strengthening prevention programmes, expanding access to confidential HIV testing and ensuring that those diagnosed with the virus receive timely treatment and care as part of efforts to end HIV as a public health threat in Anambra State.