Children’s Day: NACA renews its commitment to HIV-free generation through PMTCT

AS Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day 2025, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the health and future of Nigerian children by strengthening efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

NACA’s Director General, Dr Temitope Ilori, in a press release signed by Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, said the day is a reminder that everything possible must be done to protect the next generation from contracting HIV.

According to the release, “This includes ensuring that every pregnant woman has access to early testing, and if positive, is put on treatment, and continuous care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

“Every child deserves a healthy start to life. Yet, despite significant progress, thousands of children in Nigeria are still born with HIV each year, a preventable tragedy. Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services remain one of the most effective strategies in ending pediatric HIV and ensuring that no child is born with the virus.

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“In recent years, Nigeria has made important strides in expanding PMTCT services, but gaps remain, and these gaps are widened by stigma and discrimination that discourage women from seeking care.

“Hence, on this Children’s Day, we urge healthcare providers to ensure quality, respectful care for women and children; community and faith-based organizations to raise awareness and fight stigma; and families and caregivers to support women to access and adhere to treatment.

“An HIV-free generation is possible, but only if we act with urgency and compassion. Together, let us celebrate our children by protecting their right to be born free of HIV.”