As part of efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission and eliminate HIV/AIDs in the country, the Nigerian government is scaling up the implementation of early testing and treatments for exposed infants. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, said the government will also be providing high-quality treatment and care for children, and adolescents living with HIV. The minister disclosed this at the inauguration of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee organised by the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr Alausa, also the committee chairman, stated that the new team will coordinate the acceleration efforts carried out by agencies and officials at all government levels to reduce the spread of the disease, especially among children. He said: “This will ensure that no child is born HIV-positive and that those who are positive receive quality care. We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willing to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.
“The committee will focus on closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV and optimising continuity of treatment towards eliminating vertical transmission.” The minister said Nigeria seeks to improve prevention and early detection of new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women while addressing s.