Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership in the fight against mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis during a high-level workshop held on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The workshop, organised by the Global Fund, convened health experts and policymakers from West and Central Africa to share innovative strategies and data-driven solutions aimed at achieving elimination goals.
Science Nigeria reports that a central theme of the workshop was the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.
Nigeria shared critical insights on scaling interventions, safeguarding confidentiality in care delivery and ensuring the sustainability of its programs.
The Nigerian delegation, comprising Dr. Charles Odima of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Ms. Rifkatu Sunday of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Dr. Mojisola Bello of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), stood out for its commitment to improving the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and advancing sustainable healthcare solutions.
Discussions also emphasised increasing HIV testing services (HTS) and linking pregnant women to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as part of a comprehensive response to maternal health challenges.
Odima highlighted groundbreaking strategies, such as integrating PMTCT services into broader healthcare delivery systems and prioritising interventions in high-burden areas.
“Our localised, data-driven approaches are ensuring that no mother or child is left behind. These efforts are creating tangible impacts on maternal and child health outcomes across the country,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of community-led approaches, including the deployment of lay health workers, as key drivers of improved testing and treatment for pregnant women.
Sunday echoed these views, stating, “By integrating the fight against HIV, syphilis and hepatitis into maternal health programmes, we are building a holistic framework to combat these diseases.”
The workshop concluded with a call for evidence-based programming, cross-country learning and enhanced community engagement.
Nigeria’s delegation presented actionable steps to strengthen PMTCT services, boost testing uptake and expand ART access, ensuring sustained progress in eliminating vertical transmission (EVT).
As organisations like SFH, IHVN and NASCP continue to champion these efforts, the Geneva workshop reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in securing healthier futures for mothers and children across West and Central Africa.
