Taraba State has inaugurated the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee (PPAC), in a bid to curb mother-to-child transmission of HIV and improve paediatric HIV services.
The committee’s inauguration held in Jalingo, the state capital, was graced by the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the Director General of the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA), Dr. Bako Istifanus, described the inauguration as a historic moment in the state’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
He emphasised the urgency of protecting women and children, the most vulnerable groups in the HIV epidemic.
“This committee marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and ensure that no child is born with the virus in Taraba State,” Dr. Istifanus stated.
He acknowledged the strides made by the state in recent years, but noted lingering challenges, especially in preventing mother-to-chikd transmission and paediatric HIV services.
According to him, the formation of the committee is a strategic move to enhance coordination, advocacy, and delivery of quality healthcare services.
Dr. Istifanus commended the leadership of NACA under Dr. Ilori, for their continued support to states to combat the HIV/AIDS scourge.
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He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the success of the committee, pledging full support to ensure no mother dies of AIDS-related causes and no child is born with HIV.
Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, expressed concern over the 2.9 percent HIV prevalence rate in Taraba State, urging all stakeholders to work together to reduce the figure and achieve the 2030 target of ending AIDS.
Dr. Ilori emphasised the importance of sustained and collaborative efforts to drive down the infection rate to zero.
She called on the state government, development partners, health workers, and the public to redouble their efforts in combating the spread of HIV.
She also addressed reports suggesting that the withdrawal of USAID support had led to difficulty in accessing HIV medications, asserting that antiretroviral drugs remain available and are distributed free of charge nationwide.
The committee is expected to play a key role in identifying gaps in paediatric HIV treatment and prevention, boosting access to life-saving services, and mobilising stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the national goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
