Promoting the Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Nigeria: A New Initiative

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria. Recently, experts in the health sector, including representatives from the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), the National AIDS and STI Control Program of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nigeria, have taken a significant step forward. They have unveiled an innovative Baby Shower Toolkit designed to combat this issue.

Unveiling the Baby Shower Toolkit

The Baby Shower Toolkit was introduced at an event in Lagos titled “Dissemination of the Toolkit for the Implementation of Baby Showers in Congregational Settings for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.” Dr. Bola Oyeledun, Chief Executive Officer of CIHP, emphasized the innovative nature of the toolkit, which leverages the influence of religious institutions to educate expectant mothers on the importance of prenatal care and preventing HIV transmission.

The toolkit provides guidelines for organizing baby showers within religious communities, managing group sizes effectively, and training health assistants to support the program. This approach aims to reach women through religious leaders, who will use the toolkits to educate their congregations. Pregnant women attending these sessions will undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, and sickle cell disease. Additionally, their partners will have access to testing, promoting a comprehensive approach to maternal and family health.

Addressing a Critical Need

Dr. Timothy Efuntoye, US CDC Nigeria Representative, highlighted the importance of every woman knowing her HIV status before, during, and after pregnancy. This knowledge allows for the application of preventive measures if necessary. He stressed that the toolkit is part of broader efforts to end HIV/AIDS transmission to children—a goal that is entirely preventable with proper interventions.

Collaborative Efforts for Greater Impact

The PMTCT lead of the National AIDS and STI Control Program, Dr. Hafsat Iyanda, underscored the initiative’s goal of saving lives by harnessing the influence of religious communities. By offering HIV testing to pregnant women and their partners within places of worship, the initiative aims to create standardised venues for treatment and testing. Dr. Chuckwu Onwuchekwa, Senior Technical Advisor, noted that the initiative, which began as research in Enugu and was piloted in Benue State, has shown promising results. The comprehensive toolkits compiled from these findings provide everything needed for program implementation.

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Dual Benefits and Community Support

Dr. Folake Amimasheun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, revealed that the initiative addresses both the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and gaps in pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART). Early identification of HIV-positive mothers enables immediate linkage to treatment, significantly reducing transmission risks to their babies.

Rev. Kehinde Babarinde, Lagos Coordinator of the Network of People Infected or Affected by HIV, emphasized that the program extends beyond testing. Expectant mothers receive a “mama pack” containing essential birthing supplies such as antiseptic wipes, a razor blade for cord cutting, a cord clamp, soap, and towels. This approach enhances access to HIV testing while providing crucial supplies for childbirth. Participation is voluntary and free of charge, encouraging wider community engagement.

Conclusion

The Baby Shower Toolkit represents a significant step forward in the fight against mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria. By leveraging the influence of religious institutions and providing comprehensive support and education to expectant mothers, this initiative has the potential to make a substantial impact on public health. Stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members, are urged to actively support this program to ensure its success and sustainability.

For more details, you can read the full statement on The PUNCH here.

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