- 26,000 children newly infected with (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) HIV in 2023, 15,000 deaths among children aged 0-14
- Dr Temitope Ilori emphasised the need for collective action to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) called for urgent action to combat HIV as new committee launched in Osogbo
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) announced that 26,000 children were newly infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) last year, and 15,000 children aged 0 to 14 died from HIV-associated illnesses.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting on Thursday, December 19, Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, addressed the gathering after the inauguration of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Acceleration Committee at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo, Osun State.
"HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health challenge," Dr Ilori stated, adding, "In 2023, 26,000 new infections were recorded among children aged 0–14, and 15,000 children in the same age group died from AIDS-related illnesses,” Dr Ilori stated.
She pointed out the urgent requirement for collective action to fight the epidemic. The initiative is designed to advance Nigeria’s goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and realising an AIDS-free generation by 2030.
Speaking further, she said, “To reverse this trend, it is essential that state governments, local authorities, and relevant agencies work together."
Addressing the treatment needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV will be the committee's primary focus.
New committee aims to reduce child HIV infections
The initiative would prioritise the improvement of PMTCT services, the expansion of pediatric HIV care, the reduction of new infections in children, and better health outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.
"The formation of this committee demonstrates our renewed commitment to tackling these challenges.
“Our goal is to close the gaps and ensure that no child is born with HIV in Nigeria," Dr. Ilori stated.
She mentioned that similar committees are being set up across the country to foster a coordinated approach to eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
While paying a courtesy visit to Osun State's Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Dr Ilori confirmed NACA's sustained support through technical expertise, funding, and training.
NACA’s new committee aims to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission
She recommended that the state include HIV/AIDS services within its primary healthcare framework.
In response, Deputy Governor Adewusi highlighted the Osun State Government’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and recognised NACA’s vital role in improving the state’s healthcare system.
"The Osun State Government is fully dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS and improving healthcare outcomes for our citizens. We are grateful for NACA’s initiatives and their steadfast support," Adewusi stated.
The newly inaugurated committee aimed to foster collaboration in the fight to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission and contribute to the goal of an AIDS-free generation in Nigeria.
Over 61,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria’s capital city alone - Report
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the 61,384 individuals living with HIV in Abuja were on treatment.
Abuja exceeded national targets, achieving 223% of the expected HIV treatment numbers.