The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated an expanded Technical Working Group (TWG) on mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, extending its scope to include malaria, reproductive health, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health representatives.
The TWG will provide strategic oversight, coordination, and guidance for integrated interventions, monitor programme implementation, and review data to adapt strategies accordingly.
At the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachallum Daju, described the move as a critical step towards achieving the country’s health goals.
“We’re making progress towards achieving epidemic control of HIV, and there’s an urgent need to shift from a single disease-focused approach to a more collaborative and integrated approach,” Daju stated.
Daju expressed confidence that the group would make significant progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these diseases.
The Ministry’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria. While the country has made notable strides in reducing vertical transmission of HIV, parallel efforts against syphilis and hepatitis B remain crucial.
“The expanded TWG includes representatives from various stakeholders, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and civil society organisations.
“This collaborative approach is expected to yield better results in the fight against these diseases.”
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has also championed maternal health campaigns, raising awareness and mobilising communities to support the cause.
“The Ministry has procured and distributed HIV and syphilis test kits to all states, increasing the screening of pregnant women for syphilis by over 60%.”
“With the inauguration of the expanded TWG, the Ministry is poised to make significant strides in combating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.”
“The group’s work will be instrumental in achieving Nigeria’s health goals and improving the lives of mothers and children across the country.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr Godwin Ntadom, represented by Dr Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services, noted that the move reflects the country’s commitment to delivering integrated, people-centred healthcare services.
“This vital platform reflects our continued commitment to delivering integrated, people-centred healthcare services in our country,” Nse stated. “The expansion of this technical working group to include key entities is a great testament to our shared vision that integration is key to our sustainability.”
He emphasised that integrating HIV, malaria, and reproductive health services is essential to strengthening the health system at all levels.
“Today’s inauguration is not just symbolic; it is strategic,” he said. “We are formalising a collaborative platform where policymakers, programme managers, and implementing partners can work together to ensure that no woman or child is left behind in the fight against preventable infections and conditions.”
He commended the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for its leadership in convening the platform and thanked partners for their support.
He urged members of the expanded TWG to bring their unique expertise and perspectives to the collaborative space to bridge gaps in service delivery and ensure that equitable health programmes become the standard.
“The inauguration of the expanded TWG is a significant step towards combating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis in Nigeria.
“The group’s work will be essential in achieving the country’s health goals and improving the lives of mothers and children nationwide,” he added.
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