“Health Is Important” — UNIZIK VC Welcomes ANSACA Collaboration Initiative
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, to explore possible areas of collaboration in HIV awareness, research, testing and healthcare support within the University community.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Hillary Okeke, described the visit as a significant moment for him, noting that Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains his alma mater. He explained that ANSACA is the government agency responsible for coordinating the prevention, treatment and management of HIV/AIDS and related diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria across Anambra State.
According to Dr. Okeke, upon assuming office, he observed several gaps in data gathering and research relating to HIV response within the State, stressing that this informed the Agency’s interest in collaborating with tertiary institutions, particularly Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He disclosed that the Agency is currently exploring ways to institutionalise HIV response systems within tertiary institutions, adding that an action committee has already been established to drive the initiative.
Dr. Okeke further proposed the establishment of an HIV Research Institute, expressing hope that Nnamdi Azikiwe University would eventually host the institute. He also stated that the Agency intends to assess the University Medical Centre to determine whether it possesses modern equipment and facilities required for HIV testing and treatment services, assuring that support would be provided where necessary.
The ANSACA Executive Director noted that low awareness and persistent stigmatisation remain major challenges in HIV response efforts, emphasising that the Agency plans to intensify awareness campaigns through both physical engagements and social media platforms. According to him, the collaboration with the University would also involve awareness programmes and free HIV testing aimed at reducing fear, misinformation and discrimination associated with the disease.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for the progress recorded so far under his administration and expressed optimism about future collaboration between the Agency and the University.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, thanked the delegation for taking out time to visit the University and expressed appreciation for the passion and commitment demonstrated by the Executive Director and his team.
Prof. Anyaehie stated that the University would be glad to collaborate with ANSACA, noting that such a partnership would be beneficial to both institutions and the wider society. He assured the delegation that the University Medical Centre would provide a focal person to facilitate effective communication and collaboration with the Agency.
The Vice-Chancellor further pledged the University’s support in creating awareness, organising sensitisation programmes and providing opportunities for free HIV testing within the institution.
According to him, health remains an important subject that requires collective attention and sustained advocacy, adding that the University is willing and ready to partner with organisations committed to improving public health outcomes.
Others present during the visit included Ezeanyi Onyinye, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of ANSACA; Obi Donald Chukwuemeka, Programme/Prevention Lead; Osita S. Kosiso, Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; and Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, Dean of Student Affairs.