By Muhammad Amaan DG
The National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) said the Federal Government is committed to end Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Nigeria by 2030.
Director-General of the agency, Dr Temitope Ilori said this at the inauguration of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Acceleration Committee on in Osogbo, Osun State.
The inauguration which was conducted in partnership with the Osun State Government, was part of efforts to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to ending the public health challenge.
Dr Ilori noted that the inauguration of the committee was part of a broader national strategy, with similar committees being launched in other states to build an AIDS-free country.
The DG said that the committee’s primary focus was to address the treatment gap among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
She also said the committee aimed to ensure the women received continuous, free medical care and support.
According to her, the committee will help to reduce new HIV infections among children and improve health outcomes for HIV-exposed infants by enhancing PMTCT services and scaling up paediatric HIV care in the state.
“The establishment of this committee signifies a renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to intensify efforts to close existing gaps and ensure that no child is born with HIV in Nigeria”, she said.
During the inauguration, the NACA empowered adolescent and young women with working tools such as hair driers, grinding machines, sewing machines, and baking ovens, among others.
While residents of the state were also offered free medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Ilori, during her courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Kola Adewusi, called for collaboration between the state governments and Federal Government to achieve AIDS-free Nigeria by 2030.
