The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on Tuesday revealed that 7,000 women have participated in its Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission programme nationwide.
The Director of Research at NIMR, Prof. Oliver Ezechi disclosed this during the institute’s monthly media chat, organised to inform the public about its ongoing research activities.
Ezechi said 5,717 of the women delivered at NIMR’s health facility, with less than one per cent rate of HIV transmission from mother to child.
He added that in the past four years, no mother enrolled in the programme has transmitted HIV to her child during or after delivery.
According to him, the institute’s success is due to a unique methodology that rivals standards seen in advanced countries for HIV prevention.
“NIMR launched the programme to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission and ensure healthy births among HIV-positive women.
“We observed that HIV-positive women are often turned away by health facilities once their status is known.
“One key action we took was applying proven scientific methods used in developed countries to ensure effective prevention of HIV transmission.
“We are now seeing results, as our paediatric HIV clinic is nearly empty, showing the prevention programme is highly effective,” Ezechi stated.
He added that other ongoing HIV-related studies include youth-friendly HIV self-testing tools and the integration of hypertension care into HIV treatment in Nigeria.
NAN
