The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has disclosed that 26,000 children aged 0–14 were newly infected with HIV/AIDS in 2023, while 15,000 children in the same age group died from AIDS-related illnesses.
The Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held after inaugurating the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Acceleration Committee at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday.
Dr. Ilori emphasized the alarming figures and the urgent need for a coordinated effort to combat the epidemic, stating, “HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health challenge.
“In 2023, 26,000 new infections were recorded among children aged 0–14, and 15,000 children in the same age group died from AIDS-related illnesses.
“To reverse this trend, it is essential that state governments, local authorities, and relevant agencies work together.”
Ilori said the newly inaugurated committee aims to address significant treatment gaps for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.
She added that its focus will include improving PMTCT services, expanding pediatric HIV care, reducing new infections in children, and enhancing health outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.
“The formation of this committee demonstrates our renewed commitment to tackling these challenges,” Dr. Ilori stated.
“Our goal is to close the gaps and ensure that no child is born with HIV in Nigeria.”
Dr. Ilori further revealed that similar committees are being set up nationwide to foster a unified approach to eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
During a courtesy visit to Osun State’s Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Dr. Ilori reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to supporting states through technical assistance, funding, and training.
She also urged state governments to integrate HIV/AIDS services into their primary healthcare systems.
“The state’s incorporation of HIV/AIDS services into its healthcare framework is crucial to achieving our shared goal of an AIDS-free generation,” Dr. Ilori noted.
Deputy Governor Adewusi responded by reaffirming Osun State’s dedication to combating HIV/AIDS.
He commended NACA’s initiatives and pledged the state government’s unwavering support.
“The Osun State Government is fully dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS and improving healthcare outcomes for our citizens. We are grateful for NACA’s initiatives and their steadfast support,” Adewusi stated.
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