February 14, (THEWILL) — Anambra State has recorded an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent, the highest in Nigeria’s South-East zone, prompting renewed calls for responsible sexual behaviour and increased condom use by public health stakeholders.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) disclosed the figure on Friday in Awka during activities marking the 2026 International Condom Day, observed annually on February 13.
Speaking at the event, AHF’s Anambra State Coordinator, Vivian Sunday, said the prevalence rate, based on the NAIIS 2018 survey, underscores the urgent need for sustained public education on prevention and responsible living.
“This figure shows that new infections are still occurring. Condom use remains a proven, cost-effective way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections”, Sunday said, adding that abstinence remains the safest option, while mutual faithfulness and correct, consistent condom use are critical preventive measures.
She explained that AHF, in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, the State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit, networks of people living with HIV, community-based organisations and partners such as the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, is intensifying awareness campaigns across the state.
Sunday stressed that the campaign does not promote promiscuity, but encourages individuals to protect themselves and their partners when abstinence or faithfulness cannot be maintained. She noted that condoms also provide dual protection against infections and unplanned pregnancies.
Also speaking, the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, said the event was deliberately held ahead of Valentine’s Day to target young people and adolescents with messages on safer sexual choices.
“Although abstinence is ideal, many young people struggle with it, leading to unplanned pregnancies and new HIV and STI infections. Condoms remain one of the cheapest and most effective preventive tools”, Aborishade said.
In his remarks, John Bosco Ementa, Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to achieve epidemic control. He noted that AHF remains a key partner, providing free HIV testing, treatment, condoms and other prevention services across health facilities in Anambra.
The commemoration featured an awareness walk and the distribution of condoms to residents, reinforcing calls for safer sexual practices as part of ongoing efforts to curb HIV transmission in the state.
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