In a bid to stave off HIV transmission between mothers and babies, the Nigerian government is set to launch the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee.
This initiative, which aligns with Nigeria’s 2021 National Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan, aims to reduce Nigeria’s significant chunk of global mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Led by the Ministry of State for Health and Social Welfare, the committee draws representatives from the Ministries of Women’s Affairs, Youth and Sport Development, and Education.
The health ministry emphasised that their four-pillar agenda cannot succeed if children and women remain vulnerable to HIV. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCAP) will oversee the programme, underscoring the commitment to effective governance.
To achieve the global goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will collaborate with state governors and their spouses, state health ministries, state AIDS control agencies, lead implementing partners and other stakeholders.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stated that addressing AIDS requires a multifaceted approach, stressing the need for collaboration to reach these objectives.
He extended gratitude to Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA); the First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and the national strategic and development partners, including the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, UNCDC, UNAIDS, and others, for their unwavering support.
The Nigerian government is launching the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee to combat HIV transmission between mothers and babies. This aligns with Nigeria's 2021 National Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan and aims to reduce mother-to-child transmission rates. Led by the Ministry of State for Health and Social Welfare, the committee includes representatives from various ministries including Women’s Affairs, Youth and Sport Development, and Education.
The health ministry stresses that success requires protecting children and women from HIV. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCAP) will oversee the initiative, ensuring effective governance. Collaborative efforts with state governors, health ministries, and various stakeholders are crucial to achieving the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Dr. Tunji Alausa highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to address AIDS and acknowledged the support from key figures, including Dr. Temitope Ilori of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the First Lady of Kwara State, and international partners like the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, UNCDC, and UNAIDS.
