Soludo’s wife seeks greater investment to fight mother-to-child HIV transmission

Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, has called for greater investment and unified action to eradicate the mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis. She stressed that such interventions are crucial for safeguarding families and securing children's futures.

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Greater investment and collective action towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis remains more effective and less costly than treating the diseases after they occur.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Awka, themed 'Synergising efforts towards triple elimination,' Soludo emphasized her initiative's focus on preventive healthcare. She stated that early testing, timely treatment, and consistent follow-up during pregnancy can avert lifelong consequences for both mothers and newborns. "Greater investment and collective action towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis remains more effective and less costly than treating the diseases after they occur," she asserted.

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Achieving the ‘Triple Elimination Agenda’ requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners and families.

The Anambra State government's commitment is demonstrated through its ongoing free antenatal care program in public health facilities. Thousands of pregnant women are currently benefiting from essential screenings and preventive measures aimed at stopping transmission. Soludo noted that achieving the 'Triple Elimination Agenda' necessitates collaboration among healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and families.

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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.

She urged community leaders to bolster awareness campaigns and called on religious figures to encourage early antenatal attendance and combat the stigma associated with these diseases. "Stakeholders must expand awareness, strengthen service delivery, increase investments in maternal and child health, eliminate discrimination and promote community ownership of the programme," Soludo added. She expressed belief that eliminating mother-to-child transmission is achievable, affordable, and essential for building healthier mothers and babies.

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It is my belief that the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis is achievable, affordable and necessary, if only stakeholders renew their commitment to building healthier mothers, healthier babies and healthier communities.