Nigeria has taken a bold step in its commitment to eliminate pediatric HIV with the launch of two national policy documents by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the National HIV Health Sector Symposium held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, themed “Advancing PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Coverage in Nigeria,” brought together key players in the health sector to assess progress, address existing gaps, and mobilize unified efforts toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in the country.
The First Lady, represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, reiterated her commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health. She highlighted the Free to Shine campaign, which she led across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of the African First Ladies’ response to HIV under the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
She described the launch of the national policy documents as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey to end pediatric HIV, emphasizing the importance of integrating prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment in routine maternal and child healthcare services.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Salako, who also represented Prof. Pate at the symposium, stated that Nigeria is making steady progress in PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage, but more remains to be done.
He cited recent achievements, including a rise in PMTCT coverage to 66%, early infant diagnosis to 57%, and pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage from 29% to 74% as of 2024.
“Despite these improvements, Nigeria still records more than 9,000 new pediatric HIV infections annually. This is a clear indication that we must intensify efforts. The state of emergency on PMTCT remains in effect until no Nigerian child is born with HIV,” Dr. Salako declared.