Anambra State has intensified efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with health authorities targeting a transmission rate of just 0.5 per cent as part of broader public health reforms.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme in Awka, the state capital.
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Obidike said “The state government, through the Ministry of Health, is committed to drastically reducing HIV transmission from mothers to their children, particularly during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
“Anambra has put in place the necessary structures and interventions to achieve the goal, describing the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission as a key priority in the state’s healthcare agenda.”
The meeting brought together health professionals, development partners, and implementing agencies to review progress and challenges across several health programmes, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health; nutrition; malaria; tuberculosis; and non-communicable diseases.
Ongoing Interventions
Participants also assessed ongoing interventions and strategies to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the state.
As part of measures to improve maternal and child health outcomes, the commissioner directed that all traditional birth attendants operating in the state be identified and registered within one week.
He said the initiative would strengthen referral systems, improve access to skilled healthcare services and help reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, commended healthcare workers, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving health services in Anambra.
She called for stronger collaboration among partners, emphasising the importance of consistent participation and effective representation at technical review meetings to accelerate progress toward the state’s healthcare goals.
The renewed push aligns with global efforts to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission and improve maternal and child health outcomes through expanded access to prevention, testing and treatment services.
