Health
140,000 Children Under Age 14 Living With HIV in Nigeria -UNAIDS
MOH, NACA Launches PMTCT and Pediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee
The Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has launched the Prevention of Mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT) and Pediatric AIDS Acceleration Committee at a landmark event in Abuja.
In 2021, national and state-level consultations led to the development of Nigeria’s Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan which was designed to scale up PMTCT efforts and pediatric HIV addressing the coverage gaps but despite the comprehensive strategy and accompanying financial commitment, PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage has remained critically low.
In her welcome remarks, the Director General of NACA, Temitope Ilori noted that Nigeria faces a critical challenge in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and ensuring access to care for children living with HIV.
She described the gathering as one that is to provide an oversight to the PMTCT and Pediatric HIV programme implementation while supporting the government-mandated structures to ending HIV and AIDS among children.
“Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children.
Current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33%, far short of the 95% target”, she stated.
The NACA DG believes that the infamous narrative of Nigeria’s contribution to the global burden of PMTCT and pediatric HIV can be changed and longs to see that no child is born HIV positive in Nigeria.
Also at the event, The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Coordinator Mrs. Funmi Adesanya noted that the US Government through the President’s Emergency plan for AIDS relief has invested more than $8.3bn over the last 21 years to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 here in Nigeria.
“These resources have been invested in health systems strengthening, health products including ARVs and rapid test kits, Human Resources and surge staff.
“We commend the leadership of the Government of Nigeria for its vision to addressing this urgent issue because it is an emergency.
“No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the U.S. Government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality.
Now is the time and we believe we have the right leadership represented to achieve this goal”, she stated.
In a goodwill message delivered by the first lady of Kwara State and the chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, she commended the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa for giving light foot to the efforts of the government in bridging this gap through the establishment of the committee and believes that such will be put in place at sub national levels as well.
“As critical stakeholders the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum is committed to supporting this drive with a view to achieving this important national milestone.
“As you may be aware the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum is an organization deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.
The forum has consistently championed and supported initiatives that promote healthcare, education, cancer awareness, and nutrition, as well as those addressing sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse among women and children, and climate change in our respective states.
“With this event today it is however time to scale up these sensitization exercises by coming out and amplifying the message towards ensuring that AIDS is eliminated from our communities by the year 2030”, she said.
Other guests at the landmark event includes the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Prof. Mohammed Ali-Pate, the Honourable Minister for State for Health and Social Welfare Dr Tunji Alausa, the Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairperson Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq ably represented by the Director General Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Dr Lateef Shittu, the Chairperson Commissioners of Health Forum Dr Oyebanji Filani, the Chief Executive of the State AIDS Control Agency Forum Dr Adedayo Adegbolu, the National Coordinator National AIDS, Hepatitis and STI Control Programme Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, the UN Country Director Dr. Leo Zekeng, the National Coordinator Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria Mrs. Esther Hindi, the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Executive Secretary Mr. Tajudeen Ibrahim, the Country Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Dr. Echey Ijezie, Chief Executives of Partner Organizations and other Senior Government Functionaries
Health
Pharmacists body urges FG to establish presidential committee for sector
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) urges the Federal Government to establish a presidential committee dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, and strengthening existing laws against fake drugs.
ACPN made the call while reacting to the government’s recent ban on imported drugs, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and conserving foreign exchange.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the association said the updated prohibition schedule covering drugs under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 signals renewed commitment to protecting domestic industry players.
The ACPN specifically highlighted the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin and folic acid, as well as topical preparations like penicillin and gentamycin ointments.
It described the development as a “step in the right direction” that would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.
It attributed this gap partly to continued dependence on imports, especially from China and India, which it said accounts for about 65 per cent of drug supply in the country.
It also urged reforms in pharmaceutical education and training to expand the pool of skilled professionals across industry, clinical, hospital and community practice.
Health
2026 World Malaria Day: WHO lists 5 steps to eliminate malaria by 2030
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed five priority steps that could be taken by malaria-endemic countries especially in Africa to achieve the 2030 global target of eliminating malaria.
WHO emphasises the need for global malaria eradication marking the 2026 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”.
It highlights the potential to eliminate malaria in our lifetime, supported by new vaccines and next-generation nets, while urging immediate, accelerated action to address rising threats.
First, WHO said that countries must lead the malaria response with strong national ownership. It noted that when governments prioritize malaria as a dividend of national development and mobilize domestic resources, they lay the foundation for sustainable impact.
Second, it suggested a strategic intelligence action. It noted that robust surveillance systems, improved use of evidence and data analytics allow countries to anticipate threats, deploy interventions more effectively and ensure that resources are used where they can achieve the greatest impact.
Third, it highlighted that innovation must be accelerated and scaled equitably.
WHO said the introduction of malaria vaccines, new vector control tools, and improved treatment strategies represents a major step forward.
At the same time, strengthening Africa’s research capacity and regional manufacturing can help ensure that innovation benefits those who need it most.
Fourth, it insisted that Primary Health Care (PHC) centres must remain at the center of the malaria response. And that people-centered health services delivered through strong community platforms enable early diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained prevention.
And fifth, WHO noted that ending malaria requires a whole-of-society effort. Environmental, social and economic factors shape malaria transmission.
Health
Cross River identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
The Cross River State government that contact tracing carried out by health officials have dentified and isolated 10 persons who interacted with the Chinese national who reimported COVID-19 into Nigeria.
The State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, said that her team visited the Chinese national’s work place in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
“They were identified during contact tracing carried out by health officials. We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons, she said.”
The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.
She cautioned people to habitually sanitise their hands, use nose masks, and adhere to other prescriptions by experts.
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