Healthy Solutions to Prevent Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Nigeria

Experts at the unveiling of Baby Shower Toolkit in Lagos have called for the prevention of mother - to - child transmission of HIV in Nigeria . The group unveiled a Baby Shower Toolkit in Lagos , titled Dissemination of the Toolkit for the implementation of Baby Showers in Congregational Settings for the prevention of mother - to - child transmission of HIV . The initiative utilises the influence of religious institutions to educate expectant mothers about preventing mother - to - child transmission of HIV and the importance of prenatal care.

The toolkit includes guidelines for organising events , managing group sizes , and training health assistants . Pregnant women attending these sessions will undergo testing for HIV , hepatitis B , syphilis , and sickle cell disease . HIV - positive mothers will receive access to antiretroviral drugs to reduce transmission risks to their babies . The initiative targets women through religious leaders equipped with toolkits to educate congregations.

US CDC Nigeria Representative , Dr Timothy Efuntoye , emphasized the importance of women knowing their HIV status before , during , and after pregnancy . He highlighted the need for regular check - ups and preventive measures to reduce transmission risks . The toolkit aims to end HIV / AIDS transmission to children , with a focus on collaboration among stakeholders for successful implementation at the grassroots level.

The federal government has expressed concern over the low prevention rate of mother - to - child transmission of HIV in Nigeria . Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare , Dr Tunji Alausa , highlighted that while the international prevention rate is 95 % , Nigeria only records a 35 % prevention rate . There are 140,000 children living with HIV , with 22,000 new infections annually and 300 children dying weekly from HIV.

The PMTCT committee aims to improve prevention rates and increase pediatric anti - retroviral treatment . The committee will be replicated at the state level to oversee the PMTCT scale - up plan . The US Government has invested .3 billion over the last 21 years through PEPFAR to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria . The resources have been used for health systems strengthening , health products , human resources , and surge staff to achieve the goal of no child being born with HIV in Nigeria . The commitment to reducing mortality rates among women and children is crucial , with the aim of ending AIDS by 2030 . Comprehensive healthcare programs and state insurance policies for mothers are also necessary for the prevention of mother - to - child transmission of HIV.