The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has inaugurated an Expanded Technical Working Group (E-PMTCT-TWG) for the prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Viral Hepatitis.
The group now includes representatives from malaria, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health sectors.
This is contained in a press release is signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Friday.
Strategic shift to integrated health approach
The expansion marks a strategic shift from a single disease-focused model to an integrated, collaborative approach—aligned with Nigeria’s progress toward achieving HIV epidemic control.
The inauguration was conducted by Daju Kachollom, mni, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
While inaugurating the TWG, Daju explained that the expansion aligns with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which is being implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
To meet the government’s objective of eliminating vertical transmission, the Permanent Secretary emphasized that members of the TWG were carefully selected by the Ministry to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
Focus on Syphilis, Hepatitis, and Malaria in Pregnancy
“Over the past decade, Nigeria has made significant progress in reducing the vertical transmission of HIV. However, parallel interventions for syphilis, hepatitis B, and malaria in pregnancy remain critical. Missed opportunities for integrating maternal and child health services must be addressed,” she stated.
According to her, the expanded TWG reflects the government’s commitment to harmonizing critical health programs into a unified, data-driven response to ensure every pregnant woman receives comprehensive care at all touchpoints.
Role of “Free to Shine” Campaign
Daju also recognized the contributions of the “Free to Shine” maternal health campaign, championed by the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The campaign has played a key role in raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and engaging traditional and media institutions in promoting maternal and child health.
Achievements Uunder the triple Eelimination initiative
Highlighting early gains under the Ministry’s Triple Elimination initiative, she noted that HIV/Syphilis dual test kits have been procured and distributed to all states, significantly boosting syphilis screening of pregnant women by over 60% using the Automated Reagin Test (ART).
She further revealed plans to introduce free hepatitis B testing, treatment, and care for positive pregnant women—a step expected to improve early detection and reduce mother-to-child transmission.
Daju urged members of the E-PMTCT-TWG to work closely with stakeholders and international partners, and directed the 55-member group to submit regular reports detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations.
In his remarks, the Director of Public Health and Chairman of the PMTCT-TWG, Dr. Paul Ntadom (represented by the Director, Port Health Division), commended the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for its leadership in driving the initiative.
Also speaking, Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun, NASCP National Coordinator and Vice Chair of the TWG, announced a timeline of October 2025 to establish a situation room and an electronic dashboard for monitoring all relevant interventions.
Terms of Reference for the E-PMTCT-TWG
Terms of Reference for the E-PMTCT-TWG include: providing strategic oversight and coordination for integrated PMTCT-related interventions under the SWAp, led by the Coordinating Minister and Minister of State for Health.
Others are presenting evaluation and progress reports to the RMNCAEH and ATM SWAp TWGs using a unified reporting system and guiding collaboration with states, LGAs, and health facilities to improve service delivery.
