FG launches expanded Mother-to-Child disease prevention Taskforce

The Federal Government has inaugurated an expanded Technical Working Group (TWG) focused on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.

The new structure now includes experts in malaria, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare officially inaugurated the expanded TWG at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, emphasizing the need to move from a single-disease focus to an integrated approach.

Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom while speaking said, “This 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).

Kachollom noted that the TWG’s members were carefully selected to drive the elimination of vertical transmission

In his words, “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 Expanded 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.”

She also praised the First Lady’s “Free to Shine” maternal health campaign for its contributions in raising awareness and engaging communities and leaders.

The Ministry, under the Triple Elimination initiative, has distributed HIV/syphilis dual test kits nationwide and plans to introduce free hepatitis B testing and treatment for pregnant women.

“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 the rate of transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to their unborn children, he said”.

Kachollom urged the 55-member TWG to collaborate closely with stakeholders and provide regular updates on their progress and challenges.

Earlier, Dr. Paul Ntadom, Director of the Public Health Department (represented by the Director of the Port Health Division), commended NASCP for its leadership in organizing the platform.