NACA reaffirms free HIV treatment despite funding constraints
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reiterated that HIV treatment remains free in Nigeria, despite ongoing financial challenges.
Dr Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of NACA, made this statement on Thursday in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the Paediatric Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Accelerated Committee (PPAC).
The committee has been established to tackle the issue of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the state.
She underscored President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to eradicating HIV in Nigeria, pointing to the allocation of N300 billion to combat the disease and address other pressing health concerns, despite fiscal constraints.
Ilori also pointed out that the United States was not Nigeria’s sole partner in the fight against HIV, highlighting the contributions of several other nations, particularly in the PMTCT programme.
She acknowledged the joint efforts of the Federal and State Governments, alongside key stakeholders, in tackling HIV.
She further stated that the primary focus was on addressing the challenge of mother-to-child transmission across the country.
“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 established at the national level, and states, as key stakeholders, are replicating it at the local level,” Ilori explained.
She expressed concern over Nigeria’s status as the country with the highest number of children born with HIV, with the national infection rate at 1.4 per cent and Delta State’s at 1.9 per cent.
However, she reassured that concerted efforts were being made to bring these numbers down.
Ilori stated that the newly formed committee, comprising various stakeholders, would ensure that pregnant women had access to antenatal care.
She urged expectant mothers to undergo HIV testing during their antenatal visits.
“If a pregnant woman tests positive, she will receive antiretroviral treatment to minimise the risk of transmitting the virus to her child.
Ilori further assured that HIV medication remained entirely free and was accessible at primary healthcare centres, secondary facilities, and teaching hospitals.
She stressed that both testing and treatment were provided at no cost to patients, as the Federal Government had allocated the necessary resources.
Addressing funding concerns, Ilori reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu had earmarked a budget to guarantee the uninterrupted provision of HIV-related services and the availability of essential medical supplies.
“The fight against HIV requires a collective effort, and together, we can transform the situation for the better.”
In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Dr Philomena Okeowo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasised the significance of the committee’s inauguration.
He assured that the state government remained committed to eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission in Delta.
Dr Hobson Rudolf, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Agency for Control of AIDS (DELSACA), added that the newly established multi-sectoral committee would formulate a strategic roadmap.
He explained that this roadmap would be geared towards reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission in the state.
“At present, around 62,000 people in Delta State are living with HIV, accounting for 1.9 per cent of the population.
“HIV medication is freely available at all healthcare facilities across the state,” he noted.
Several partners, including WHO, NEPWHAN, SASCP, ECEWS, DPH, and various civil society organisations, were present at the ceremony.
Faith-based organisations also pledged their support towards achieving the common goal.
Despite these efforts, reports from UNAIDS indicate that Nigeria continues to face difficulties in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
According to the 2023 report, approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually.
“The coverage for PMTCT and paediatric HIV treatment remains below 33 per cent, significantly lagging behind the 95 per cent target set by global initiatives.
“The Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children, launched in 2021, has yet to achieve the expected level of coverage,” the report stated.
