NEWS
ABSACA Strengthens HIV Response Coordination Across Abia Through Two-Day Strategic Meeting
The Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) has successfully concluded a two-day SACA/LACA Coordination Meeting aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening strategies towards achieving HIV epidemic control across Abia State.
The strategic meeting, themed Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Coordination Towards Achieving HIV Epidemic Control in Abia State, was held at Gado Hotels, Umuahia, and brought together representatives of the State AIDS Control Agency (SACA) and Local AIDS Control Agency (LACA) from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
The programme was designed to reinforce state and local government ownership of HIV intervention programmes while improving service delivery, data management, collaboration, and community-based response mechanisms in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking during the opening session, the Director General of ABSACA, Dr. Uloaku Emma, commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, for his commitment to quality healthcare delivery and improved access to health services across the State.
She charged participants to approach the training with dedication and seriousness, emphasizing the importance of effective implementation of the knowledge acquired in their respective Local Government Areas.
Dr. Emma stressed that effective coordination, commitment, and proper understanding of HIV response mechanisms remain critical to controlling the epidemic and improving healthcare outcomes in Abia State.
The two-day programme featured technical presentations and practical sessions facilitated by health experts and monitoring and evaluation specialists, including Dr. Uloaku Emmanuel Ukaegbu, Princess Okorie, Charles Chijioke, Ndubuisi Kanu, Chinedu Iro, and Mark Onoja, all of whom shared insights on HIV prevention, testing, management, programme coordination, and data reporting systems.
Activities on the first day focused on Pre-test and Basic HIV, the reintroduction of HIV Testing Services (HTS), consent and counseling procedures, the responsibilities of LACAs in HIV response coordination, and team-building exercises aimed at improving LACA functionality.
Facilitators highlighted the importance of ethical counseling procedures, accurate testing protocols, confidentiality, and effective teamwork in strengthening HIV response systems across communities.
Participants were also reminded of the importance of community-based awareness campaigns, trust-building, confidentiality, and quality healthcare delivery in encouraging individuals to access HIV services without fear, discrimination, or stigma.
The second day featured intensive sessions on Key Population Programmes, Harm Reduction and Service Delivery Challenges, Index and Social Network Modalities, the introduction of new intervention tools, review of the NDARs Reporting Platform, and the development of actionable resolutions for improved programme implementation.
Facilitators extensively discussed practical approaches to addressing field challenges while emphasizing the need for proper reporting structures, innovation, and strategic coordination to strengthen HIV intervention programmes across the State.
Participants were equally given opportunities to present challenges faced within their various Local Government Areas, share field experiences, and recommend practical solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and HIV response effectiveness at the grassroots level.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of participants, Mr. Kelechi Oji applauded Governor Alex Chioma Otti for prioritizing healthcare development and supporting initiatives targeted at strengthening the healthcare system in Abia State.
He also commended the Director General of ABSACA for her resilience, commitment, and sustained efforts in advancing HIV response programmes across the State, noting that continuous seminars and capacity-building trainings remain essential for professional development and improved performance.
According to him, capacity-building programmes equip participants with updated knowledge and practical skills needed to strengthen HIV response efforts at the grassroots and improve service delivery outcomes.
The programme ended with the presentation of HIV test kits and other essential materials to participants to support ongoing interventions, further reaffirming ABSACA’s commitment to advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS and improving healthcare
delivery across Abia State.