The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is spearheading a community-led approach to maternal health and HIV prevention in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Helen Mutong, the institute’s Senior Programme Officer, PMTCT Focal Person, made this known on Wednesday at Mpape, Abuja, during an event tagged Mother’s-Love Party.
Mothers-Love Party, which is an initiative of IHVN, is a gathering for women and children in communities to sensitise them on care for their babies, personal and environmental hygiene, the importance of immunisation and registration, and antenatal care.
In such parties, IHVN also provides mother-care packs for women with items such as sanitary pads, gloves, and cotton wool, among others.
Mutong, therefore, said that the institute, renowned for its comprehensive services in HIV and TB, is specifically targeting pregnant women who may not access healthcare facilities.
She added that 25 pregnant women, 17 nursing mothers and nine children received Mother’s-Love Party in Mpapa, Abuja.
She said that by taking the lead from the World AIDS Day liaison team, the institute was actively engaging communities, working closely with local focal persons and advocating with community leaders.
She emphasised the importance of reaching pregnant women who have not enrolled in any care facility.
She explained that “the strategy involves mobilising communities, sensitising women and creating awareness to ensure they make informed decisions about accessing vital healthcare services.
“The services provided to pregnant women include HIV testing, blood sugar test, height and weight checks, and syphilis test.
“Any diagnosed abnormalities will get prompt referral to appropriate facilities for comprehensive care.
“The goal is to establish seamless process for women to access care freely and with effective management.”
She said that the institute‘s commitment was to extend to all facilities in the FCT, ensuring that pregnant women received essential health services, regardless of their initial reluctance to access care in traditional facilities.
“This pioneering approach marks a significant step towards breaking barriers to maternal health and HIV prevention, setting new standards for community-led healthcare initiatives.”
Ms Murjanatu Adamu, the Assistant PMTCT Focal Person, FCT, said that the office collaborated with IHVN for the Mother’s Love’s Party, underscoring the crucial role of early enrollment in antenatal care.
She said that “the aim is to capture pregnant women early for HIV testing to prevent further transmission.”
Adamu stressed the need for more appropriate measures within communities for effective HIV prevention.
