Stakeholders have called for enhanced access to healthcare and the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services as critical measures to reduce HIV transmission and improve the well-being of individuals living with the virus.
The appeal was made on Thursday during a one-day dissemination meeting on research findings related to PMTCT and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV. The event was organised by the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) in Abuja.
The National Coordinator of ASHWAN, Mrs. Esther Hindi noted that inadequate access to healthcare services, coupled with persistent stigma and discrimination, continues to hinder progress in the national HIV response.
She stressed the need for targeted sensitisation campaigns, expanded access to PMTCT services—particularly for women in hard-to-reach communities—community-based interventions, peer support programmes, and strengthened healthcare systems. She also advocated for the implementation and enforcement of anti-stigma legislation to support women living with HIV.
“We must create a safe and enabling environment for all women, especially pregnant women living with HIV, to access healthcare without fear or prejudice,” Hindi said. “Strengthening referral systems and prioritising underserved communities is essential. Many of these women are still denied the services they need due to stigma or systemic barriers.”
She added, “While we have policies and laws in place to protect the rights of people living with HIV, they are often underutilised or not enforced. Not all states have passed the anti-stigma bill, and there is an urgent need to raise awareness and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
Hindi also called for the retraining of healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to deliver HIV care with empathy and professionalism, free of discrimination.
Through the Love Alliance project—supported by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)—ASHWAN has implemented initiatives in Delta, Oyo, Nasarawa, and Kebbi States to address service gaps in HIV prevention and treatment for women and children.
The project aims to amplify the voices of underserved populations and build their capacity to advocate for their rights and welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of the Kebbi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KBSACA), Mr. Usman Muhammad-Magiro underscored the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement, grassroots sensitisation, and increased funding to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Ms. Joy Adiele of the Goshen Foundation assured that the research findings would be disseminated at the community level to support PMTCT elimination efforts.
In her remarks, the Programme Officer at Lawyer’s Alert, Ayomide Joshua reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to upholding the rights of women and other vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Kuruduma community in One Man Village, Nasarawa State, Ahmadu Bako commended ASHWAN for its interventions. He pledged the community’s continued support in raising awareness around HIV prevention, transmission, and care.
— By Justina Auta
