The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed alarming statistics regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on Nigeria’s children. According to NACA, 26,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2023, and 15,000 children aged 0-14 died from HIV-related illnesses.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of NACA, made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ meeting following the launch of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Acceleration Committee in Osogbo, Osun State. The event, which took place on Thursday, aimed to address the growing HIV crisis affecting Nigerian children.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ilori expressed the urgency of coordinated action to reverse the rising number of new infections and deaths among children. She emphasised that the country must work together to tackle the epidemic and eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health challenge in Nigeria,” Dr. Ilori said. “In 2023 alone, 26,000 new infections were recorded among children aged 0-14, and 15,000 children in the same age group died from AIDS-related illnesses. This is unacceptable.”
The NACA Director-General stressed that reversing this disturbing trend will require collective efforts from state governments, local authorities, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
Urgent Action Needed to Save Children
Dr. Ilori highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to tackling HIV/AIDS, noting that Nigeria’s strategic objective is to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030. She called for a more integrated and sustained effort across all levels of government and healthcare systems.
She further explained that the newly established committee would focus on addressing critical treatment gaps, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV. The committee’s main objectives are to improve PMTCT services, expand paediatric HIV care, reduce new infections among children, and enhance health outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.
“The formation of this committee is a clear indication of our renewed commitment to tackling these challenges,” Dr. Ilori added. “Our goal is simple: no child should be born with HIV in Nigeria. We are determined to close the gaps and ensure better outcomes for our children.”
The PMTCT and Pediatric ART Acceleration Committee is expected to drive efforts to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission and reduce the number of new infections among children. NACA has also indicated that similar committees will be established across the country to promote a unified approach in the fight against HIV.
Local Government Support Crucial
During her visit to Osun State, Dr. Ilori also met with the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, to discuss the state’s role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She reaffirmed NACA’s continued support through technical assistance, funding, and training for local health officials.
“We are committed to providing the support necessary for Osun State to strengthen its fight against HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Ilori said. “We want to see HIV/AIDS services fully integrated into the primary healthcare system in Osun State, ensuring that everyone, especially pregnant women and children, has access to the care they need.”
In response, Deputy Governor Adewusi reiterated the Osun State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and fighting HIV/AIDS in the region. He praised NACA’s initiatives and expressed gratitude for the technical and financial support provided by the agency.
“The Osun State Government is fully dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS,” Adewusi stated. “We are grateful for the ongoing support from NACA and their efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for the people of Osun.”
The Fight Against HIV Continues
The newly launched committee marks a critical step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle to control the HIV epidemic. With the country’s ambitious target of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2030, the committee is poised to play a crucial role in reducing infections and preventing further loss of life among children.
According to the latest figures, the number of new HIV infections among Nigerian children remains unacceptably high. The 26,000 children infected in 2023 represent a significant challenge, particularly considering the broader global push to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. With 15,000 children dying from AIDS-related illnesses each year, the urgency for effective interventions has never been clearer.
The new committee will work closely with healthcare providers, community leaders, and international partners to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and care services are available and accessible to those who need them most. Efforts will focus not only on preventing new infections but also on improving the quality of life for children already living with HIV.
NACA’s Dr. Ilori has stressed that the battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite the challenges, there is hope that with continued efforts and the commitment of both the government and citizens, Nigeria can achieve its goal of an AIDS-free generation.
“We have a responsibility to protect our children,” Dr. Ilori said. “Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
