By Ekene Nwankwo
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has completed
the recruitment of personnel who will support the forthcoming Nationwide
Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) in the state.
The two-day recruitment exercise ended on 14 July at the
agency's headquarters in Awka. It was organised in partnership with the
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Federal Ministry of Health
and the West Africa Centre for Public Health and Development.
Anambra is one of 12 states selected to take part in the
nationwide survey, which is expected to gather data to support Nigeria's
response to HIV.
According to ANSACA, the Integrated Biological and
Behavioural Surveillance Survey is designed to provide up-to-date information
that will help shape evidence-based policies, strengthen HIV prevention and
treatment programmes, and improve healthcare planning and service delivery
across the country.
Speaking after the recruitment exercise, the Executive
Director and Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, said he was satisfied
with the way the selection process was conducted. He described it as
transparent and commended NACA, the Federal Ministry of Health and the West
Africa Centre for Public Health and Development for their collaboration.
Dr Okeke said the survey would provide vital information to
strengthen Nigeria's HIV response, particularly among populations most affected
by the epidemic. He expressed confidence that the personnel selected during the
exercise would help ensure the successful implementation of the survey in
Anambra.
He also thanked Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma
Charles Soludo, for what he described as the administration's continued
investment in the health sector.
According to Dr Okeke, the governor's healthcare reforms
have strengthened the state's capacity to attract national and international
public health programmes, creating opportunities for partnerships that improve
health outcomes for residents.
He said the completion of the recruitment exercise marked
another important stage in preparations for the national survey, adding that
the agency remained committed to supporting initiatives that provide reliable
health data for planning and decision-making.
The survey is expected to generate findings that will guide
future HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes, while helping
policymakers and health authorities respond more effectively to the country's
public health needs.
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