Targeting adolescents and young people with increased knowledge, prevention, and support services, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has initiated a campus-based HIV prevention and support program across 27 academic institutions in the state.

The program, called the Tertiary Institutions HIV Action Network (TIHAN), was introduced at the inauguration of two HIV focal persons from each participating institution, including a student representative and a school administration representative.

Participating institutions include government, private, and mission-owned universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, colleges of nursing, and schools of nursing.

A campus HIV action group made up of students from all departments and academic levels will be established by each university as part of the program.

Dr. Nkem Okeke, Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), clarified that the committees would be trained and formally inaugurated to guarantee that their operations were carried out in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

The organization claimed that by implementing a tertiary institution-level intervention to supplement current programs at the federal, state, municipal, and ward levels, the campus-based framework will enhance Anambra's larger HIV response.

Dr. Okeke emphasised that maintaining HIV prevention efforts and safeguarding future generations required giving adolescents and young people top priority.

The organization also thanked Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, for his support, pointing out that his administration's renewed dedication to HIV prevention has improved its ability to extend initiatives throughout the state.

ANSACA is anticipated to start the next stage of creating and bolstering campus HIV action mechanisms throughout the 27 participating institutions with the appointment of the focal individuals.

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