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The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has said, despite Nigeria’s progress, the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission(PMTCT) and paediatric HIV coverage remains below 33% which is well below the 95% target.
The Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori while disclosing this on Monday at a press briefing ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, disclosed that following comprehensive data analysis in 2021, the Agency joined the international initiative and developed the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children adding that the plan is fully resourced, yet coverage continues to fall short.
The 2024 commemoration themed, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children, and End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
While speaking further, Ilori said the Minister of State for Health recently established a national-level acceleration committee to track implementation
“I have paid advocacy visits and inaugurated State committees in three (3) states engaging directly with 3 governors to support the launch and resourcing of a similar committee at the state level, ensuring that no child is born HIV positive in Nigeria. This will go around the 36 States and FCT in due course.”
“Furthermore, my team has been engaging with all critical stakeholders in the HIV response in co-creating a sustainability roadmap which intends to sustain our gains within the HIV response and put government-mandated structures at the centre of programme implementation in the states.
“This roadmap, among other things, will ensure that in the event of donor support withdrawal, the country is secured health-wise and socially as regards HIV and associated diseases.”
Ilori also disclosed that under this administration, and with the support of partners, NACA has recorded significant achievements in transforming Nigeria’s HIV response.
“Enhancing Maternal and Child Health. As iterated, we launched the PMTCT and Pediatric ART Acceleration Committee, a critical step in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“Through partnerships, we have initiated agreements to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for the African region, with a view to manufacturing antiretrovirals, test kits, and other HIV-related commodities locally, ensuring sustainability and health security.”
“Through strategic advocacy, we have re-established trust with donors and partners, evident in renewed collaborations and increased resource commitments.”
“For the first time in three years, Nigeria’s HIV data has been published by UNAIDS, showcasing transparency and clarity in our national response.” She said.
While speaking on the 2024 HIV AIDS commemoration, the DG explained that the agency will Jointly commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day with the following lined-up activities by partnering with the Abuja Carnival and some of the implementing partners to provide HIV Testing Services (HTS) and free eye check at the Eagle Square during the Abuja Carnival held 23rd to 25th November 2024.
“An Adolescent and Young Persons Programme on the 26th of November, 2024. Free HIV Testing Services in collaboration with our Civil Society partners In several places in Abuja 26th-28th November 2024.”
“Jumat Service at the National Mosque on the 29th of November, 2024, at 1 pm. Health Walk at the National Stadium on the 30th of November, 2024, of 7 am.”
“Church Service at the First Baptist Church, Area 11 Garki, Abuja on Sunday 1st December, 2024. Candlelight event to commemorate those who have lost their lives and loved ones to the disease to be led by NEPWHAN on the 2nd December 2024, at 3 pm.”
“Commissioning of Heartland Alliance Office Complex in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Tuesday 3rd December, 2024. This is a demonstration of partners’ contribution to the national HIV response.”
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