National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has inaugurated the Anambra State Technical Team to conduct the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Study (IBBSS) as part of intensified efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control across the country.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday during the 2026 IBBSS Entry Meeting at the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency office in the old Government House, Awka.
NACA Director-General, Dr Tope Ilori, charged the team, led by Anambra State AIDS Control Agency Executive Director, Dr Nkem Okeke, to undertake a data-driven survey identifying people living with HIV/AIDS, providing antiretroviral drugs and support services to attain viral suppression in the state.
Okeke explained that the nationally coordinated IBBSS targets HIV prevention and control, with Anambra selected alongside 11 other high-prevalence states to survey key populations including sex workers and men who have sex with men.
He disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 individuals would undergo testing, praising Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling environment and technical backing for the exercise.
Okeke expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and NACA for including Anambra in the programme, underscoring its critical role given the state’s elevated HIV prevalence.
In his presentation, acting Chief Executive Officer of the West African Centre for Public Health and Development, Chukwuemeka Ejekam, said the centre is implementing the 2026 IBBSS to reduce HIV cases among key populations and meet the World Health Organisation’s 2030 epidemic control target.
Ejekam highlighted that new testing kits would detect and confirm infections within two weeks, compared to six months for older versions, assuring comprehensive support for Anambra’s data-driven HIV/AIDS intelligence programme.
The initiative reflects NACA’s commitment to evidence-based interventions strengthening Nigeria’s HIV response through targeted surveillance, testing and treatment in high-burden areas.
