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
Senate passes bill to establish Malaria Elimination Agency
The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Ipalibo Banigo.
The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a National Agency for Malaria Elimination saddled with the responsibility of preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Ipalibo Banigo.
Presenting the report on behalf of Banigo, Sampson Ekong said the proposed agency would serve as the central body responsible for coordinating national efforts aimed at preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.
The Senate said the agency seeks to mark a shift in the country’s approach to malaria management from treatment-focused interventions to preventive and elimination strategies.
“The agency, when established, will help shift the country’s approach from curative measures to prevention and eventual elimination of malaria,” it stated.
(Source: The SUN)
Health
Cross River restores molecular laboratoy for TB, HIV, Mpox testing
This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.
Photo : Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
The Cross River State Government has announced that the molecular laboratory services at Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital now conducts molecular testing for tuberculosis, HIV and Mpox while retaining the capacity to support surveillance and response efforts for emerging public health threats..
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the hospital alongside journalists in Calabar.
Ayuk said that the molecular laboratory, which serves as one of the state’s key public health surveillance centres, has resumed most of its essential functions following rehabilitation efforts supported by the state government and development partners.
“This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.
The commissioner explained that although the facility suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS unrest, significant progress has been made in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring laboratory operations.
The Niger State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed doctors at Jummai Babangida Aliyu Maternal and Neonatal Hospital, Minna, to withdraw their services following the alleged assault of a house officer while on duty.
In a letter dated June 1, 2026, the association said the affected doctor, Joanne Husseini, was allegedly assaulted during official duty at the hospital.
The NMA condemned the incident, stating that healthcare workers should not be subjected to intimidation or assault while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The association further noted that the incident was not the first of its kind at the facility and announced the immediate withdrawal of clinical services by doctors until concerns raised by the house officers are addressed.
Recall also that a particular incident occurred at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida where a nurse on duty was molested by some youths alleging that the nurse criticised the leadership nature of the present administration.
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