Despite continuous financial difficulties, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reaffirmed that HIV treatment in Nigeria is still free.
After launching the Paediatric Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Accelerated Committee (PPAC) in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday, NACA Director-General Temitope Ilori made this announcement.
The committee’s goal is to address the state’s problems with HIV transmission from mother to child.
She emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to eradicate HIV in the nation, pointing out that N300 billion has been set aside to combat the illness and deal with other health-related concerns despite budgetary limitations.
However, Ms. Ilori underlined that Nigeria’s efforts to combat HIV were not only backed by the US government, as several other nations also provided help, especially through the PMTCT program.
She applauded the cooperation between the federal and state governments, as well as other interested parties, in the fight against HIV.
She said that the country’s mother-to-child transmission problem was the main emphasis at the moment.
“We are here to inaugurate the Delta State Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV and the Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee.
“A similar committee has been inaugurated at the national level, and states, as major stakeholders, are replicating it locally,” Ms Ilori said.
She expressed concern that Nigeria had the highest burden of children born with HIV, with the current national infection rate at 1.4 per cent and Delta State’s at 1.9 per cent.
However, she stressed that efforts were being made to reduce these numbers.
Ms Ilori said that the newly established committee, which included various stakeholders, aimed to ensure that pregnant women had access to antenatal care.
She encouraged pregnant women to get tested for HIV during antenatal visits.
“If pregnant women test positive, they will receive antiretroviral treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their child.”
Ms. Ilori also promised that HIV medications will continue to be entirely free and accessible in teaching hospitals, secondary facilities, and basic healthcare centres.
She highlighted that because the federal government had given the required funding, patients did not have to pay for the test or the therapy.
Ms. Ilori addressed the issue of finance, pointing out that President Bola Tinubu has allocated funds to guarantee the continuous provision of HIV-related services and the availability of essential supplies.
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“The fight against HIV is a collective effort and together, we can change the narrative.”
In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Philomena Okeowo, permanent secretary of the ministry, stated that the timing of the committee’s inauguration was crucial.
He pledged the state’s support to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission in Delta.
Hobson Rudolf, executive secretary of the Delta State Agency for Control of AIDS (DELSACA), added that the new multi-sectoral committee would work to develop a clear roadmap.
He added that the roadmap’s goal was to reduce HIV transmission from mother to child in the state.
“As of now, approximately 62,000 people in Delta State are living with HIV, representing 1.9 per cent of the population.
“HIV drugs are accessible and free at all facilities across the state,” he said.
The ceremony also included support from several partners such as WHO, NEPWHAN, SASCP, ECEWS, DPH, and Civil Society organisations.
