Pediatric HIV: Prioritise Research And Develop Child-Friendly Medications

Experts have stated that it is crucial to prioritise the re­search and development of child-friendly medications as well as address pediatric-specific healthcare needs to curb treatment gaps and stop pediatric human im­munodeficiency virus (HIV) in Ni­geria.

The experts spoke at a media conference in Abuja organised by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in collabora­tion with the National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP).

According to them, limited research and development of child-friendly medications, dosage challenges, and insufficient atten­tion to pediatric-specific healthcare needs are barriers hindering prog­ress in pediatric HIV.

Statistics from the Federal Min­istry of Health indicate that as of December 2022, 1.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in Nige­ria; out of this number, 150,000 are children, and only 50,000 children have access to treatment.

The experts therefore called for urgent intervention in pediatric HIV in the country at the press con­ference which had the theme, “Now is the Time: Fighting Pediatric HIV through Strategic Partnership.”

Bemoaning the gap in the treatment of children with HIV, they also called for strategic collaboration to win Ni­geria’s fight against pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Dr Nguavese Torbunde, Country Manager, Elizabeth Glaser Pediat­ric AIDS Foundation, explained that improved efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, early detection, and access to antiretroviral therapy would sub­stantially reduce HIV transmission to children.

She recommended prioritising pediatric research, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increas­ing awareness, and fostering col­laboration between governments, NGOs, and pharmaceutical com­panies.

A consultant paediatrician at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Rosemary Ugwu emphasised the preventability of pediatric HIV. She discussed the evolution of pe­diatric HIV drugs and highlighted the convenience of fixed drug com­binations.

Dr. Peter Nwaokenneya, Deputy Director of the National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP), said the Ministry of Health and So­cial Welfare, had recorded signifi­cant strides in its battle against the HIV epidemic.

Nwaokenneya who is also the Head of the Treatment Care and Support Program, NASCP stressed the need for increased attention to paediatric HIV.

Mr. Aaron Sunday, the National Coordinator of the Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria (APYIN), stated that the root of elim­inating HIV in Nigeria was to stop stigmatisation. He said that to identify HIV cases among Nigerian adolescents and adequately administer treat­ment to them, a human-centred program should be adopted through empowerment, empathy, partner­ship, trust, and empowerment among others.