Tony Okafor, Awka
Medical professionals in Anambra State have applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for revitalising the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency with the appointment of a substantive Executive Director, bringing to an end a prolonged leadership vacuum that had lasted nearly four years.
The agency, regarded as a critical institution in the state’s response to HIV/AIDS, had operated without an Executive Director during the period, a situation stakeholders say undermined its operational efficiency and overall effectiveness in coordinating prevention and control programmes.
Governor Soludo recently approved the appointment of Dr. Hillary Nkem Okeke as Executive Director, a move widely seen as restoring direction and momentum to the agency.
Observers note that the decision signals a renewed commitment by the state government to strengthening public health institutions and tackling persistent health challenges.
Announcing the appointment in a statement issued on April 23, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, described Dr. Okeke as an award-winning and multi-skilled medical expert with a strong academic and clinical background.
He noted that the new appointee combines extensive clinical experience with notable research credentials, particularly in epidemiology, global health management, and community care.
According to the statement, Dr. Okeke has presented scholarly papers at various conferences and seminars, underscoring her capacity to drive evidence-based interventions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Medical Director of Princeton Specialist Hospital and Orthopaedic Centre, Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu, described the agency as indispensable to HIV/AIDS control efforts in the state.
He emphasised that sustained awareness campaigns remain a vital tool in reducing the prevalence of the disease.
Similarly, a laboratory scientist at Glanson Medical Laboratories, Arizechukwu Nwobu, urged stakeholders to rally support for the agency to enable it meet its objectives.
He cautioned that despite indications of a slight decline in cases, HIV remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the reactivation of ANSACA under new leadership will reinvigorate strategies aimed at prevention, treatment, and awareness, ultimately strengthening the state’s response to HIV/AIDS.