The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that 140,000 children under 14 were living with HIV as of 2023.
He also revealed that there were 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths among children in the same year.
He said this while addressing the committee’s inauguration on Thursday.
Meanwhile, theFederal Government inaugurated the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee.
The initiative aims to drastically reduce mother-to-child transmission, eliminate HIV/AIDS, and enhance early testing and treatments for exposed infants.
Alausa emphasised the government’s commitment to providing high-quality treatment and care for these vulnerable children and adolescents.
Alausa, who serves as the committee’s chairman, outlined the committee’s responsibilities, including ensuring the sustained commitment of all parties, timely implementation of planned activities, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and monitoring performance against set targets.
He stated, “A popular maxim states that doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is futile. That is why the Ministry of Health is focused on a health sector renewal initiative.
“This initiative is centred on four main pillars: effective governance, an efficient, equitable, and quality health system, unlocking value chains, and health security.”
He also added that through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, the government plans to provide effective governance for this programme, ensuring that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are receive quality care.
Alausa further mentioned the intention to collaborate with domestic producers of HIV commodities to ensure health security for children.
In her remarks, NACA Director General, Temitope Ilori, said the critical challenge Nigeria faces in PMTCT and ensuring access to care for children living with HIV.
She pointed out the dire statistics: less than 33% coverage in PMTCT and paediatric HIV, far below the 95% target.
Despite previous efforts and financial commitments, the coverage remains critically low.
The new acceleration plan committee is tasked with bridging these gaps and driving the implementation of the initiative.
Olufolake AbdulRasaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of the Kwara State Governor, commended the federal government’s efforts.
She emphasised the alarming statistics of MTCT and paediatric AIDS in Nigeria and pledged the support of the Governors Spouses’ Forum.
AbdulRasaq also revealed plans to enrol women living with HIV in the state’s health insurance program and expand initiatives for sickle cell patients.
Funmi Adesanya, Nigeria Coordinator of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, stressed the importance of increased partnerships across all levels of government and between public and private institutions.
She reiterated the global goal of eliminating the epidemic by 2030 and affirmed the US Government’s commitment to the cause.
Leo Zekeng, Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, assured continued support from UN agencies.
He urged stakeholders to fully commit to the initiative and work towards its success.
Oyebanji Filani, Chairman of the Commissioners of Health Forum, concluded by emphasizing that the goals are achievable with proper resource investment.
He encouraged stakeholders to remain dedicated to supporting the program, promising that sub-national governments would contribute significantly to its success.
This comprehensive effort marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s battle against HIV/AIDS among children, aiming for a future where no child is born with or succumbs to the virus.
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