In observance of this year’s Children’s Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has issued a resounding message, asserting that no child should endure the burden of being born with HIV, particularly in an era brimming with remarkable technological advancements and innovative solutions.Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Temitope Ilori, the director-general of NACA, underscored the significance of Children’s Day, a poignant occasion marked annually on May 27th, as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of children and the profound obligation incumbent upon society to safeguard their health, happiness, and overall well-being.In a statement disseminated to the press on Sunday, Dr. Ilori underscored the urgent need to confront a critical health challenge facing the nation’s youngest demographic: the transmission of HIV from mother to child.”
On this auspicious day, we reiterate our unwavering dedication to the imperative that no child should enter the world burdened by HIV,” affirmed Dr. Ilori.
The NACA DG emphasized the paramount importance of shielding children from preventable ailments, including HIV, and implored for fortified commitments to fortify their heAs we pay homage to our children today, let us also pledge to shield them from preventable diseases, notably HIV. No child should embark on life’s journey burdened by the scourge of HIV when prevention lies well within our grasp. By bolstering Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services, we can ensure that each child has the opportunity to thrive in robust health,” she further elaborated.
While acknowledging Nigeria’commendable strides in mitigating the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Dr. Ilori acknowledged that there is still considerable ground to cover.She affirmed NACA’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that every expectant woman living with HIV receives the requisite care and treatment to avert transmission to her offspring.
“Our objective is unequivocal: to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria. This endeavor necessitates the collective synergy of governmental agencies, healthcare practitioners, civil society entities, and local communities. Through the provision of antiretroviral therapy to expectant women living with HIV, advocacy for safe delivery practices, and advocacy for appropriate breastfeeding protocols, we can shield our children from the scourge of HIV,” reiterated the DG.
