The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori, on Wednesday inaugurated the state PMTCT and Pediatric ART Acceleration Plan in Kaduna.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ilori highlighted that the committee aimed to achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure a sustainable HIV response.
She acknowledged that the country continued to face challenges in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
“UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually.
“In spite of progress, PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remains below 33 per cent, far from the 95 per cent target,” she said.
Ilori added that the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remained suboptimal.
She mentioned that the Minister of State for Health had established a national acceleration committee and that the model was being replicated at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and enhance real-time programme monitoring.
Another pressing challenge, she noted, was the country’s reliance on donor support.
She underscored the need for sustainability efforts, which include integrating HIV services into the national health system and strengthening government-mandated structures with technical assistance from partners.
Additionally, she emphasised the importance of ensuring timely release of state and local government funds for HIV programs and developing sustainable non-health components of the response.
Ilori also emphasised the importance of empowering civil society to serve as community advocates and champions for quality service provision in line with the global AIDS strategy.
She urged all multi-sectoral partners to collaborate and make the committee functional.
“I am confident that under the leadership of the commissioner, we can make this vision a reality and position Kaduna State as a model for others in the fight against pediatric HIV.
“Achieving an AIDS-free generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV positive in Kaduna State,” she stated.
She also highlighted the critical task of creating a comprehensive list of children of HIV-positive clients, which is crucial to accelerating pediatric ART nationwide.
In her welcome remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, said the state had aligned itself with Nigeria’s Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan, which served as the collective blueprint.
“Today, we stand united to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges: preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and ensuring access to care for children living with HIV across our State,” she said.
She added that the plan outlined critical strategies, including expanding PMTCT services to all antenatal care settings—public, private, traditional, and informal—and reaching women in their homes where socio-cultural barriers limited access.
Additionally, the plan prioritised HIV testing for children of adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and strengthening data systems to track both national progress and state-specific gaps.
She explained that the state’s objectives were to sustain the commitment of partners, ensure timely execution of planned activities, and resolve implementation bottlenecks.
“Additionally, the state aims to monitor performance against set targets and provide diligent reports to the National PMTCT and Pediatric Acceleration Committee.
“I am privileged to chair this committee, which brings together representatives from government, development partners such as UNFPA, UNICEF, CIHP, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector leaders, and our inspiring youth champions,” she said.
“Your diverse expertise and perspectives will be instrumental as we tackle this challenge. The mothers and children of Kaduna State are counting on us.
“I look forward to working closely with each of you to accelerate our efforts and build a future where no child bears the burden of HIV. Let us embark on this vital work together.”
Also speaking, the Director of Performance Management and Resource Mobilisation at NACA, Dr Yinka Anemouh said the committee was inaugurated to ensure the sustained commitment of partners to the acceleration plan and ensure the timely implementation of planned activities.
He added that the committee would address implementation bottlenecks and monitor progress against set targets.
The committee is chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, with the Executive Secretary of KADSACA as co-chair.
Other members include representatives from government, development partners such as UNFPA, UNICEF, CIHP, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector leaders, and youth champions.
NAN
