FG Expands Mother-to-Child Transmission Working Group To Boost Maternal, Child Health
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to safeguard future generations by moving beyond a single-issue approach to maternal health.
In a bold and strategic shift, the government is integrating multiple life-saving interventions under one coordinated umbrella as a healthy mother means a healthy nation.
In a major step towards eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and malaria, the Federal Government has inaugurated an Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Technical Working Group (E-PMTCT-TWG).
The inauguration, held at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare headquarters in Abuja, marks a transition from siloed disease control efforts to a unified, integrated approach for improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, who led the inauguration, said the 55-member TWG was carefully selected to align with the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp).
She stressed that while Nigeria has made gains in reducing HIV transmission from mother to child, efforts must now encompass syphilis, hepatitis B, and malaria in pregnancy.
“This Expanded TWG reflects our commitment to ensuring that no pregnant woman slips through the cracks of a fragmented health system,” she said. “It’s about integrated, data-driven care every step of the way.”
The group will provide strategic oversight and monitor progress using a centralised “situation room” and electronic dashboard set to launch by October 2025.
Kachollom also lauded the First Lady’s Free to Shine campaign for mobilising awareness around maternal health, noting that new HIV/syphilis dual test kits have already increased screening by over 60% nationwide.
Plans are also underway for free hepatitis B testing and treatment for pregnant women.
The TWG has been tasked with advising on policy, coordinating at all levels of government, and delivering consistent updates to health sector leadership.
The move has been hailed as a milestone towards Nigeria’s triple elimination goals of protecting mothers and giving every Nigerian child a healthier start at life.