HIV/AIDS: Mother-to-Child transmission drops to 10 % – NEPWHAN

The incidence of mother-to-infant transmission of the virus has declined to below 10% in Nasarawa State over the previous two years, as reported by the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN).

During a media roundtable to assess the implementation of the Nigeria Resilient and Sustainable System for Health Project (RSSH) in Lafia on Thursday, Mr. Philip Lokoko, the Nasarawa State Coordinator for NEPWHAN, made this announcement.

The RSSH initiative is designed to enhance and bolster Nigeria’s healthcare system’s capacity to combat ailments such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Lokoko indicated that the efforts of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, alongside partner initiatives and robust awareness campaigns, played a vital role in the state’s achievements in lowering HIV prevalence (NACA).

He stated that NEPWHAN was dedicated to elevating the level of care provided at the medical facilities where its members received treatment.

Lokoko mentioned that to ensure improved services for its members, the project had recruited 15 Community-Based Organizations (CBO) from the regions in which they were operating.

However, he lamented the ongoing stigmatization faced by HIV/AIDS patients within the state from the general community.