Esther Salifu
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, has said strengthening Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services, will help in eradicating HIV in neborns.
Ilori made the disclosure in celebration of Children’s day while affirming the agency commitment in ensuring that every pregnant woman living with HIV received the care and treatment necessary to prevent child transmission.
In a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, the Director said, with the advanced technology and innovation no child deserves to be born with HIV in this era and the agency is committed to achieve it.
Speaking on the importance of addressing crucial health issues affecting the youngest citizens – the transmission of HIV from mother to child , Ilori said. “As we honour our children today, we must also commit to protecting them from preventable diseases, including HIV. No child should begin life with the burden of HIV when it is within our power to prevent it. By strengthening Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong,” she added.
She noted that Nigeria had made vital progress in reducing the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV but acknowledged that there was still much work to be done.
“Our goal is clear: to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria. This requires the collective effort of government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and communities.
“By providing antiretroviral therapy to pregnant women living with HIV, promoting safe delivery practices, and supporting appropriate breastfeeding methods, we can protect our children from HIV,” she said.
