Anambra state records highest HIV rate in south-east, says healthcare foundation
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has identified Anambra state has having highest records of HIV cases in the South-East Zone of Nigeria, with 2.4 per cent HIV prevalence rate, stressing that abstinence remained the best preventive option, with mutual faithfulness between partners.
Penpushing report that the State Coordinator of the foundation in Anambra State, Vivian Sunday, disclosed this while marking the 2026 International Condom Day, observed annually on 13 February, held on Friday in Akwa
The coordinator, however, called for responsible sexual behaviour and increased condom use and emphasised the prevalence figure underscored the need for sustained public education on responsible living and preventive measures.
Penpushing further reports that she explained that the foundation in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, the State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit, Networks of People Living With HIV, community-based organisations and partners such as Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, is intensifying awareness campaigns on condom use.
“We partner with stakeholders because we cannot fight this battle alone. Advocacy remains one of our strongest tools in reaching both decision-makers and the public. New infections are still occurring, and condom use remains a proven and cost-effective way to prevent HIV and other STIs’, she said
“Anambra State has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent, according to the NAIIS 2018 survey, making it the highest in the South-east, hence the need for awareness’, the coordinator stated.
Penpushing also reports that Sunday stressed that while abstinence remained the best preventive option, with mutual faithfulness between partners, encouraged, correct and consistent condom use was also essential.
The coordinator pointed out that condom use demonstrated responsibility toward personal and partner health, adding that condoms equally provide dual protection against infections and unwanted pregnancies.
Penpushing reports that she urged residents of the state to live responsibly, explaining that the campaign was not an endorsement of promiscuity but a call for individuals to protect themselves when abstinence or faithfulness could not be maintained.
The Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, in his remarks said the event was deliberately marked a day before Valentine’s Day to encourage young people and adolescents to make responsible choices.
Penpushing further reports that Aborishade stated that, although abstinence is ideal, many young people find it difficult to abstain, contributing to rising cases of unplanned pregnancies and new STI and HIV infections.
The Marketing Manager described condom use as one of the cheapest and most effective preventive measures, stressing the need for continuous awareness to enable young people to protect themselves.
Penpushing also reports that project manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, , John Bosco Ementa in his speech said the event formed part of ongoing efforts to achieve epidemic control in the state.
The Project Manager explained that, as the agency coordinating the HIV multisectoral response in Anambra state, it oversees prevention, treatment, care, and support services, adding that AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) remains a key partner providing free HIV testing, treatment, condoms and other prevention services across health facilities in the state.
Penpushing reports that this year’s commemoration has the theme, “Safer is Sexy, Wrap it Up”, while the event featured an awareness walk and condom distribution to residents.
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