By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated an expanded prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group (E-PMTCT-TWG) to include malaria, reproductive, maternal newborn, child and adolescent representatives.
An expansion deemed essential, to shift from the single disease focused approach to a more collaborative and integrated approach, as Nigeria makes progress towards achieving epidemic control of HIV. This was revealed in a statement signed by
Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director Information and Public Relations
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom while inaugurating the TWG officially, at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja explained that the expansion aligns with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative NHSRII being implemented through the Sector Wide Approach SWAp.
To achieve government’s objective in this direction, Daju Kachollom; emphasized that membership of the Technical Working Group were carefully selected by the Ministry to achieve a successful elimination of vertical transmission.
“Over the past decade, Nigeria has made significant improvements in reducing the vertical transmission of HIV. Yet, parallel efforts against syphilis, hepatitis B, and malaria in pregnancy cannot be over-emphasized.
“This has led to missed opportunities for comprehensive maternal and child services.
“Therefore, this Expandeɗ TWG embodies our resolve to harmonize these critical programmes into one coordinated, data-driven response, ensuring every pregnant woman benefits from integrated care at every contact point,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
She further acknowledged the supportive role of “Free to Shine” maternal health campaign programme of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in raising awareness, mobilized communities, galvanized local leaders, traditional institutions and the media to promote maternal and child health.
Highlighting early successes and achievements under its Triple Elimination initiative targeting HIV, maternal syphilis and, hepatitis B transmission; the Ministry according to the Permanent Secretary, has procured and distributed HIV/Syphilis dual test kits to all states in the country
“Through this effort, we have increased the screening of pregnant women for syphilis by over 60% Automated Reagin Test (ART).
The planned introduction of free hepatitis B testing, free treatment and care for the positive pregnant women will improve identification, as well as reducing rate of transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to their unborn children”; Daju Kachollom added.
While urging the Expanded PMTCT- TWG to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and international partners; she mandated the 55 (nos.) membership to provide regular updates and reports on progress, challenges and recommendations for improvement.
Speaking earlier, the Director Public Health Department and Chairman of the PMTCT- TWG, Dr. Paul Ntadom represented by Director Port Health Division commended the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for its Leadership in convening the platform.
Affirming the above assertions, Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun, Director National Coordinator NASCP and Vice Chair, gave a timeline of October 2025 for setting up a situation room and electronic dashboard showing all the interventions relevant to the Expanded PMTCT- TWG.
Terms of Reference for PMTCT-TWG include amongst others:
a. Provide strategic oversight, coordination and, guidance for integrated PMTCT- and, related inventions in line with the Sector Wide Approach SWAp that is being led by the Coordinating Minister and the Hon. Minister of State
b. Present evaluations and progress to the RMNCAEH SWAP TWG and the ATM SWAP TWG using a one-single source of truth approach
c. Guide collaboration in with states, LGAs and facilities to improve services.
