As strong as moving to end the scourge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the Federal Government of Nigeria has set up the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee.
The committee is mandated with drastically cutting down HIV infections in children, upscaling early infant testing opportunities that have been exposed, and instituting their treatment to ensure the elimination of paediatric AIDS.
A Reality So Sharp: Shocking Statistics on HIV among Children in Nigeria
Perhaps the urgency of this initiative is best underscored by these statistics: currently, as of 2023, children under 14 years old are living with HIV numbering 140,000 in Nigeria, with 22,000 children newly infected and 15,000 deaths ascribed to AIDS. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Tunji Alausa, at the inauguration of the committee, emphasized that affected children and adolescents require quality treatment and care.
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Governance and Health Sector Renewal Strategic Focus
The chairman reminded the audience of the government’s commitment towards a health sector renewal effort anchored around. Which are a good governance, efficient and fair health system, opening-up value chains, and lastly healthy security. This is an important milestone toward ensuring that children are born free of HIV. And that better care is provided to the children already affected.
Commitments and Collaborative Efforts
According to the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, the pace of progress in PMTCT. ALso care for HIV-positive children remained one of the critical challenges facing Nigeria. Current PMTCT coverage remained critically low at less than 33 percent, far from the target of 95 percent.
In 2021, national and state-level data-driven analysis led the development of the Action Plan for Nigeria’s Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children. Although it is complete and has financial commitments, its general coverage remains low. The newly formed committee has the terms of reference to fast-track the addressing of identified gaps in effective implementation.
Key Stakeholder Buy-in and Support from Development Partners
Olufolake AbdulRasaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors, Spouses’ Forum and wife of the Kwara State Governor, commended the efforts by the federal government and expressed her forum commitment to continue supporting. The outline of the activities she said would be ensured in respect of the enrollment of the women living with HIV into the state’s health insurance program. Also increasing the support for those suffering from sickle cell anemia.
Funmi Adesanya, Coordinator, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Nigeria, said in another dimension. “It is expected that partnership would increase at all levels of government and between public and private institutions.” She reassured the US Government’s commitment to supporting the Country towards actualizing the global target of wiping out the HIV epidemic by 2030.
The in-country director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Leo Zekeng, assured continuous support from UN agencies and called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the cause.
Achieving the Goals: A Call to Action
According to the Chairman, Commissioners of Health Forum, Oyebanji Filani, with proper investment in the initiative, the set objectives are going to be quite achievable. He challenged stakeholders to hold on to their support so that this very important program may succeed.
FAQs
What is the objective of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee?
This plan is designed to achieve a considerable reduction in mother-to-child transmission, eliminate paediatric AIDS. And fast track early infant diagnosis and treatments among exposed infants in Nigeria.
How many children are living with HIV now in Nigeria?
In 2023, an estimated 140,000 children under 14 live with HIV in Nigeria.
What has been the current PMTCT coverage in Nigeria?
The current PMTCT coverage in Nigeria is less than 33%, far below the 95% mark targeted.
Who are some of the implementing partners?
These are basically the Federal Government of Nigeria, National Agency for the Control of AIDS. Although the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, and the international partners, the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.
What is being done to help women with HIV?
The plans include the enrolment of women living with HIV into state health insurance plans and augmentation of support for sickle cell patients.
Is HIV herpes?
No, HIV and Herpes are different kinds of viruses.
Can you get rid of HIV?
HIV cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by using Antiretroviral Therapy.
Is AIDS and HIV the same thing?
No, It is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIVinfection.
Does HIV attack the liver?
Yes, It can cause damage to the liver especially due to coinfection with hepatitis.
What is the first sign of HIV?
Though difficult to identify with exactness, generic flu-like symptoms in people newly infected may include fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
Testing for HIV includes blood tests or saliva testing that can be conducted in a clinic, hospital and also at home using at-home test kits.
Can you get HIV from oral sex?
However, when considering oral sex, the chances of the disease being transmitted are relatively lower than other forms of sexual activities.
Stay informed about this crucial initiative and join the collective effort to eliminate pediatric HIV in Nigeria.
