The Anambra State Government, through the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), is set to launch the Anambra Integrated HIV and Addiction Care Programme (AIHAC) to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment and adherence, as well as rehabilitation services for people affected by substance use disorders across the state. The Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Hillary Nkem Okeke, disclosed this on August 5 during a working visit to the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka. Dr. Okeke said the AIHAC programme would be anchored on eight key pillars: integration of HIV prevention and treatment, mental health services, MAT services, telehealth, viral hepatitis care, tuberculosis (TB) care, rehabilitation, and skills acquisition and economic empowerment. “Our goal is to make integrated healthcare services more accessible, ensuring that people who need them are aware that these services are available in Anambra State,” he said. He described the MAT Centre as a critical component of the state’s response to substance use disorders and the prevention of HIV and viral hepatitis, noting that it is among the few such centres in Nigeria and was established with support from the Global Fund. According to him, the centre provides evidence-based treatment for people living with opioid dependence through medication and structured psychosocial support. He added that the facility also serves as an important entry point for reaching people who inject drugs (PWIDs), who face increased risks of HIV and viral hepatitis due to unsafe injecting practices. Dr. Okeke explained that clients visiting the centre are routinely screened for HIV and viral hepatitis. Those who test positive are linked to appropriate treatment and care, while those who test negative receive counselling and prevention services to reduce their risk of infection. “The MAT Centre provides treatment and rehabilitation support for people living with substance use disorders. Beyond medication, clients receive psychosocial support that helps them recover and reintegrate into society,” he added. The ANSACA Executive Director encouraged individuals struggling with opioid dependence or the misuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine to seek professional help at the MAT Centre. He further disclosed that ANSACA would strengthen community-based interventions by training community service providers, including patent medicine vendors, on safer practices aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. Dr. Okeke said expanding harm-reduction services at both facility and community levels would improve health outcomes, reduce new HIV infections and contribute to Anambra State’s goal of ending HIV as a public health threat. He commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for providing the political support that has sustained the establishment and operation of the MAT Centre. He also appreciated the Global Fund, AIDS Healthcare Network Initiative (AHNI), the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the management of COOUTH and other implementing partners for their continued support. Dr. Okeke expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would improve treatment outcomes, expand access to integrated healthcare services and enable more people living with substance use disorders to rebuild healthy and productive lives. Also speaking, the Senior Technical Officer for Key Populations and Harm Reduction at AHNI, Mr. Femi Owolabi, described the MAT Centre as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s harm-reduction strategy. Owolabi explained that MAT combines evidence-based medications such as methadone with structured psychosocial support to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and support long-term recovery. He said the programme provides individualised counselling and evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to address underlying factors associated with substance use while ensuring that every client receives confidential, respectful and patient-centred care. According to him, MAT is one of the three major pillars of harm reduction, alongside the Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) and Community Naloxone Distribution, all aimed at reducing HIV, viral hepatitis and other health risks associated with drug use. Owolabi commended the collaboration among the Global Fund, the Anambra State Government, ANSACA, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, COOUTH and AHNI, describing the partnership as critical to expanding access to quality treatment, rehabilitation and HIV prevention services for vulnerable populations.