The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has inaugurated a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Committee in Enugu State as part of renewed efforts to eliminate HIV transmission from mothers to their children.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Enugu, NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, said the initiative aims to support the work of the Enugu State Ministry of Health and the Enugu State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ENSACA).
Dr. Ilori commended Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to revamping primary healthcare in the state, stressing the importance of early testing and treatment for pregnant women.
“We want to ensure that no child is born with HIV by scaling up testing and treatment access in both general and teaching hospitals,” she said. Ilori also called on committee members to collaborate closely, noting that HIV is a multi-sectoral challenge that demands collective action.
In his remarks, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, Enugu State Commissioner for Health and Chair of the 20-member committee, affirmed the committee’s readiness to deliver on its mandate. “We use committees and technical groups to ensure effective implementation of health policies — this will be no different,” he said.
Dr. Fabian Bassey, State Team Lead for Caritas Nigeria, emphasized the need to focus more on maternal and pediatric care, adding that the adult response has been effective so far. He revealed ongoing plans to train traditional birth attendants and provide them with HIV test kits to expand reach among pregnant women.
Mrs. Lilian Agbo, Coordinator of the Network of People Living with AIDS, described the committee’s formation as a beacon of hope. “This move will bring about targeted intervention and renewed hope for people living with HIV,” she stated.
