..as ANSACA Unveils Newsletter, Telehealth Services in Anambra
By Uzo Ugwunze
Managing Director/CEO Izudatcares Ventures Ltd, Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze (Ichie Chinemeze n’Ukpo) has commended Governor Charles Soludo, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency(ANSACA), Executive Director, Dr Nkem Okeke and Partners for leveraging digital innovation to strengthen the HIV response in the state.
Speaking during the unveiling of the ANSACA maiden Newsletter and Telehealth Services, Chief Nwabueze, who chaired the event held on September 22, 2026, at Chyben Leisure Hotel, Awka, particularly lauded the Executive Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, KSC, for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning the agency.
He described the theme of the event, “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Strengthen the HIV Response: Bridging Communities and Advancing Health in Anambra State,” as timely and germane, noting that it speaks directly to the changing realities of healthcare delivery and aligns with Anambra’s 2030 goal of building a responsive, accessible and people-centered health system.
Speaking on the two initiatives, Nwabueze said the ANSACA Newsletter will serve as a platform for accountability and community engagement, documenting the agency’s programmes, milestones, partnerships and multi-sectoral coordination to give stakeholders a clearer understanding of its interventions while helping to demystify HIV and reduce stigma.
He added that the ANSACA Telehealth Service, with its dedicated hotlines for counselling, referrals and reliable information, will remove physical barriers to healthcare access, ensure confidentiality for sensitive sexual health enquiries, provide prompt support on adherence and preventive care, and link residents directly to health facilities from their homes and workplaces.
Nwabueze commended partners, healthcare professionals and community organisations supporting the state’s HIV response, and urged ANSACA to sustain the momentum and ensure the benefits of the innovations reach every segment of Ndi Anambra, while congratulating the Soludo administration on the milestone.
Earlier in his welcome address ANSACA Executive Director, Dr Nkem Okeke said: “ANSACA telehealth is not to replace hospitals or the state’s existing telemedicine system, but to bridge the gap by integrating community interventions with clinical care. Through it, a young person exposed to HIV at night can access information on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, PEP, those seeking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, PrEP, counselling, HIV testing, treatment support and referral for stigma-related issues can get prompt and confidential guidance.”
Okeke explained that the new service model follows a clear pathway from awareness and community engagement to testing, telehealth support, referral, clinical intervention, follow-up and retention in care, assuring that ANSACA is committed to taking HIV information and services closer to the people towards achieving zero new infections by 2030.
“Our Newsletter tells the story of our programmes, community interventions, partnerships and progress in the HIV response, while our Telehealth Service provides a confidential and convenient channel for HIV information, counselling, PrEP/PEP guidance, treatment support and referrals.
Read and download our Newsletter:
https://ansaca.org/newsletters/ANSACA-NEWSLETTER.pdf
ANSACA Telehealth — Calls Only:
07048006130, 07036285379, 08031604097. WhatsApp Only: 07046505691, 08087164626,” Okeke Stated.