Mother-to-child transmission of HIV: A critical concern

Although the global community was recently ensnared by COVID-19, an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, prior to its emergence, the dreadful HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) had been in existence. However, COVID-19 is more prominent as it kills with speed and in high numbers which led to a global lockdown  and altered peoples’ normal way of life.

From WHO statistics (2018), approximately 37.9 million people had acquired HIV globally. Out of the figure, 1.8 million were children below 15 years). Sub-Saharan Africa got 90 per cent. The HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) 2018 estimated that there were 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria.

However, the good news is, from records, People Living with HIV (PLHIV) who get effective treatment can live long, healthy and normal lives, and also protect their partners. Hence, with timely detection and disclosure, there is no cause for alarm with HIV. 

A critical point that cannot be overemphasised is that HIV/AIDS have claimed millions of lives, and is still without cure. And more critical and alarming is the Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV, mostly through breastfeeding, hence preventive measures essentially for women of reproductive age must be placed on the front burner. From its report, the National Strategic Plan (NSP) targets that 95 per cent of all HIV positive pregnant and breastfeeding mothers would receive antiretroviral therapy; 95 per cent  of all HIV-exposed infants would receive antiretroviral prophylaxis; and 95 per cent of all HIV-exposed infants have early infant diagnosis within six to eight weeks of birth. This is commendable.

Unfortunately, field observations show that poor access to formal public healthcare; insufficient PMTCT services; inadequate funding for HIV activities by states; poor data reporting system; low paediatric HIV case identification; poor response for children living with HIV; ineligible improvement in ANC and facility delivery uptake still stand as barriers. 

In summary, socioeconomic and sociocultural factors remain major barriers to the success of PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission) of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

The crux is that the fight against HIV/AIDS demands unremitting effort. In particular, health and sex education, PMTCT, reduction of pre-natal transmission, screening of blood and blood products need progressive drives. A sustained sensitisation and synergy on HIV/PMTCT for a healthier tomorrow as WHO and UNICEF spearhead is pertinent. As the PMTCT programmes offer a range of services for women of reproductive age living with or at high risk of HIV to maintain their health and prevent their infants from acquiring HIV, access to healthcare prior to conception, and throughout pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding is indispensable.

Carl Umegboro is a public affairs analyst: [email protected]