The National AIDS and STD Control Program (NASCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed that it has achieved a significant milestone, with 74% of children living with HIV in Nigeria who now receives antiretroviral therapy (TAR).
The National Program Coordinator, Dr. Adbobola Bashorun, while informing the media at a press conference before the National Symposium of the HIV Health Sector in Abuja, said the program prioritized efforts in pediatric HIV and the prevention of mother to mother to children (PMTCT) through policies, strengthening systems, innovation and associations.
The thematic symposium: “Advance of the PMTCT treatment coverage and pediatric treatment in Nigeria.
Basorun said: “Nigeria has significantly reduced vertical transmission rates through an expansion of sustained PMTCT, with more than 90% of pregnant female positive positive HIVs that receive antiretroviral therapy (TAR) to prevent transmission, from 34% in 2023 to 63% in 2024.
“The country has expanded the 6,000 PMTCT sites to more than 40,000 SDP functional, offering HIV tests and attention to pregnant women and children who use the Hub and Radios.”
He also revealed that NASCP has implemented 85 Mpima machines and expanded the Genexpert platforms from 103 to 141 sites, improving the early diagnosis of babies (EID) and the beginning of fast art in newborns.
“Guided by WHO recommendations, NASCP has integrated friendly art formulations for children, including DTG10mg, and facilitated the dispensation of several months (MMD) to improve adherence and retention, increasing the art coverage of 30% in 2023 to 74% in 2024. The plans are ongoing to introduce TAF in the program.”
“NASCP launched a pediatric package of advanced HIV disease (AHD) in six states with support, addressing mortality among children with HIV in late stage through diagnosis, prophylaxis and tutoring.”
“Index tests among biological children of HIV positive adults are now transmitted between supported states, and efforts to embed the pediatric HIV detection in RMNCAH, nutrition, immunization and TB clinics produce promising results.”
“NASCP undertakes to a continuous association with donors and implementation agencies to improve access to PMTCT and pediatric art, and is developing a robust tb-vih pediatric/adolescent framework.”
“The program is also working on the search and integration of active cases in state health insurance plans for long -term sustainability.”