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).
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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.
