Eliminating mother-to-child HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis achievable, Soludo’s wife

Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria, has urged for greater investment and collective action to eradicate the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis from mother to child within the state. She asserted that this goal is attainable through consistent dedication and collaborative efforts.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Awka, themed "Synergizing Efforts Towards Triple Elimination: Strengthening Investment, Innovation and Collaboration to End HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Syphilis in Anambra State," Dr. Soludo emphasized her non-governmental organization's focus on preventive healthcare. She stressed that early testing, timely treatment, and adequate antenatal care are crucial for preventing lifelong complications for both mothers and newborns. Prevention, she noted, is more effective and cost-efficient than treating advanced diseases, urging stakeholders to prioritize early interventions.

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Stakeholders must expand awareness, strengthen service delivery, increase investments in maternal and child health, eliminate discrimination and promote community ownership of the programme.

Dr. Soludo also commended the state government's initiatives in enhancing maternal and child healthcare services, particularly the ongoing free antenatal care program available in public health facilities across Anambra. Thousands of pregnant women are currently benefiting from screening and preventive services designed to halt mother-to-child transmission of these three diseases. She called for enhanced collaboration among healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and families to ensure the program's success.

"Stakeholders must expand awareness, strengthen service delivery, increase investments in maternal and child health, eliminate discrimination and promote community ownership of the programme," Dr. Soludo stated. She reiterated that eliminating mother-to-child transmission is "achievable, affordable and necessary" with renewed commitment from all sectors. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, added that while progress has been made in HIV testing and prevention, more work is needed to identify undiagnosed cases and ensure prompt treatment. He confirmed the state government's intensified efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and syphilis transmission, especially among pregnant women and newborns, through integrated healthcare services.

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the elimination of mother-to-child transmission is achievable, affordable and necessary.