With the support of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Caritas Nigeria is working to achieve the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in its 4GATES program states of Abia, Delta, Enugu, and Imo.
This is in line with enhancing early diagnosis and linkage to treatment for identified positive cases, as well as increasing pediatric case-finding and linkage to treatment.
In recognition of their role as maternal and child health service providers, CDC and Caritas Nigeria teams visited two traditional birth centres (TBC) in Imo State in May, to seek their cooperation in the state's HIV epidemic control efforts. This strategy will ensure that traditional birth attendants refer identified HIV-positive mothers (pregnant and breastfeeding alike) to nearby HIV service delivery facilities for immediate treatment. The teams also used the opportunity to pay an advocacy visit to a traditional ruler to raise awareness about community PMTCT efforts and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.