By Iyemah David
Stakeholders in Nigeria are actively exploring avenues to eliminate paediatric HIV, in an effort to secure a healthier future for the nation’s children.
This was emphasised at a roundtable event on Thursday in Abuja with the theme “Now is the Time: Fighting Paediatric HIV Through Strategic Partnership.”
The event was organised by the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP).
Dr Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator (NASCP), highlighted the importance of identifying children with HIV first before placing them on treatment.
Bashorun emphasised that effective implementation of all strategies, coupled with commitment from the government and partners, would significantly impact combatting HIV.
“Enhanced advocacy and sensitization were also stressed to dispel misconceptions in certain rural communities,” he said.
Dr Avese Torbunde, EGPAF’s Country Director, emphasised the feasibility of ending HIV in children compared to adults, underscoring the importance of prioritizing medication for children.
Torbunde encouraged self-testing, community outreach, and youth engagement as essential strategies in the fight against paediatric HIV.
Prof. Rosemary Ugwu, Consultant Paediatrician at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), emphasised the preventability of paediatric HIV.
Ugwu discussed the evolution of paediatric HIV drugs and highlighted the convenience of fixed drug combinations.
Mr Peter Pius, State Programme Officer at the Africa Network of Adolescent and Young Person Development, called for adolescent involvement in decision-making for paediatric HIV, recognising them as critical stakeholders and advocates for their own health and socio-economic needs.
Pius stressed the importance of human-centred design, actively engaging adolescents to shape programs that address their unique challenges.
