Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - In a bid to fast-track the elimination of paediatric HIV, the federal government on Tuesday launched two national policy documents in Abuja.
First Lady, Senator OluremiTinubu, unveiled the policy
guidelines at the National HIV Health Sector Symposium held at Abuja
Continental Hotel.
The event, themed, “Advancing PMTCT and Paediatric HIV
Coverage in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders in the health sector to
assess progress, address existing gaps, while mobilising efforts towards
eliminating mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in the country
The first lady, represented by Minister of Women Affairs,
HajiyaImaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, restated the government’s commitment to
safeguarding maternal and child health.
She described the launch of the national policy documents as
a milestone in Nigeria’s journey to end paediatric HIV, emphasising the
importance of integrating prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment in routine
maternal and child healthcare services.
In his keynote address on behalf of the Coordinating
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of
State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. IziaqAdekunleSalako, reaffirmed
Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Salako, who also represented Pate at the symposium, stated
that Nigeria was making steady progress in PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage,
but more remained to be done.
He cited recent achievements, including a rise in PMTCT
coverage to 66 per cent, early infant diagnosis to 57 per cent, and paediatric
anti-retroviral therapy (ART) coverage from 29 per cent to 74 per cent as of
2024.
Salako stated, “Despite these improvements, Nigeria still
records more than 9,000 new paediatric 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.”
He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in securing a $200
million emergency allocation for HIV, Malaria, and Tuberculosis in response to
global funding cuts, describing it as a testament to the government’s
commitment to sustainable financing and local ownership of health programmes
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