The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to eliminate paediatric HIV and strengthen Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services, as part of national efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance during the National HIV Health Sector Symposium held in Abuja.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr Salako described the symposium as a vital platform for reviewing strategies and renewing national resolve in the fight against paediatric HIV.
He commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support through the “Renewed Hope Initiative” and the “Free to Shine” campaign, which, he said, had contributed immensely to progress in the country’s HIV response, particularly among children.
“Our PMTCT programme is recording notable improvements, with national coverage at 66 per cent and paediatric ART coverage rising from 29 per cent to 74 per cent as of 2024,” the Minister announced.
However, he described the over 9,000 new paediatric HIV infections recorded annually as unacceptable and a wake-up call for urgent action.
Dr Salako stressed the need for every pregnant woman living with HIV to have timely access to care and antiretroviral therapy to prevent transmission to her child.
He also underscored the importance of early infant diagnosis, community engagement to tackle stigma, and universal access to paediatric HIV services.
Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the Minister revealed that Nigeria secured an immediate $200 million allocation for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in January 2025, despite global funding cuts.
“This demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to provide sustainable domestic funding for our health programmes,” he added.
Dr Salako outlined a multi-pronged approach to HIV control, including prevention, voluntary medical male circumcision, behavioural change communication, and free antiretroviral treatment for 1.7 million Nigerians.
He expressed confidence in the steady decline of new infections and mother-to-child transmissions recorded over the past two years.
Declaring that the State of Emergency on PMTCT remains in force until no Nigerian child is born with HIV, Dr Salako called on stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and adopt innovative solutions towards achieving an AIDS-free generation.
The symposium, organised by the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCAP), brought together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, programme implementers, and civil society organisations united in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
PIAK