FG Launches Expanded Task Force to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis in Nigeria

EditorApril 24, 2025

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Group Photograph: Official Inauguration Ceremony of PMTCT-TWG members Middle: Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni; on her right: Dr. Michael Akpan Director Port Health Services Division, representing the Director Public Health Dept. & Chair PMTCT- TWG; left of Permanent Secretary: Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun Director National Coordinator NASCP & Vice-Chair PMTCT-TWG; supported by other members

By Fatima Saka

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has inaugurated an Expanded Technical Working Group (E-PMTCT-TWG) on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis.

The group includes representatives from the malaria, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health sectors, reflecting a shift from a disease-specific approach to a more integrated, collaborative framework.

The inauguration was officially conducted by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, mni, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement released on Thursday by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations.

Kachollom emphasized that the expansion aligns with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which is being implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).

Immediate left of Permanent Secretary: Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun Director National Coordinator NASCP and Vice-Chair (PMTCT- TWG) addressing members and stakeholders

“To meet the government’s objective of eliminating vertical transmission, the Ministry carefully selected members of the Technical Working Group for their expertise and capacity to drive impactful change,” she said.

She noted that while Nigeria has made commendable progress over the past decade in reducing the vertical transmission of HIV, the integration of efforts against maternal syphilis, hepatitis B, and malaria remains crucial.

“Fragmented interventions have led to missed opportunities in delivering comprehensive maternal and child health services. This Expanded TWG represents our commitment to harmonize essential programs into a unified, data-driven response—ensuring that every pregnant woman receives integrated care at every touchpoint,” she added.

Kachollom also recognized the contributions of the “Free to Shine” maternal health campaign championed by the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for its role in raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and engaging traditional institutions and the media.

The Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, addressing stakeholders and members of the Expanded PMTCT-Technical Working Group, during the Official inauguration ceremony held in the Conference room of the Ministry’s headquarters office Abuja.

Highlighting achievements under the Ministry’s Triple Elimination Initiative—targeting HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—she disclosed that HIV/syphilis dual test kits have been distributed nationwide. As a result, syphilis screening among pregnant women has increased by over 60% using the Automated Reagin Test (ART).

She further announced the planned rollout of free hepatitis B testing and treatment for pregnant women, which is expected to significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

Kachollom urged the newly inaugurated 55-member TWG to collaborate closely with stakeholders and international partners. She mandated regular progress reports, updates on challenges, and actionable recommendations.

Earlier, the Director of Public Health and Chairman of the PMTCT-TWG, Dr. Paul Ntadom—represented by the Director of Port Health Division—commended the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for its leadership in convening the platform.

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Supporting this view, NASCP’s National Coordinator and TWG Vice Chair, Dr. Adebobola Adebashorun, revealed plans to establish a situation room and electronic dashboard by October 2025. The system will monitor interventions and outcomes related to the expanded mandate of the TWG.

Terms of Reference for the E-PMTCT-TWG include:

1. Providing strategic oversight, coordination, and guidance for integrated PMTCT-related interventions in line with the SWAp approach led by the Coordinating Minister and Minister of State.

2. Presenting evaluations and progress reports to both the RMNCAEH SWAp TWG and ATM SWAp TWG using a single, unified data source.

3. Facilitating collaboration with state governments, local government areas, and health facilities to strengthen service delivery.