The federal government has acknowledged measurable progress in Nigeria's paediatric HIV response, particularly in case identification, treatment access and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme (NASCP), spoke at the 2026 Linking and Learning Meeting of the Paediatric Breakthrough Partnership (PBP), where he was represented by Iyaniwura Ozimede. He stated that children remain the most underserved group in HIV response, with only a fraction of HIV-positive children on treatment compared to adults, largely due to reliance on caregivers and systemic challenges. Many children go undiagnosed because they depend on parents or guardians for testing, while others live in households unaware of their status or are orphaned.
Bashorun noted improvements in index and family testing models, which are helping identify previously undiagnosed children. Viral load monitoring among treated children is also improving, and age-appropriate antiretroviral formulations are becoming more accessible through partner collaborations. He highlighted progress in Taraba and Rivers states under the PBP project, with increased identification of pregnant women, higher treatment initiation among HIV-positive mothers, and better retention in care. According to Aisha Dadi, Country Lead of the PBP Programme, antiretroviral therapy coverage in these states rose from 20 per cent to 65 per cent. The project also supported the development of HIV disclosure tools for caregivers and health workers.
Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health, represented by Dayyabu Yusuf, stressed that despite gains, many children are still missed. He cited gaps in early infant diagnosis and prevention opportunities, urging sustained efforts and greater domestic financing. The PBP, supported by UNICEF and other partners, will enter a new phase in August, with potential expansion to additional states.
The government touts progress in paediatric HIV care while admitting most infected children remain untreated, exposing a disconnect between reported gains and actual coverage. In Taraba and Rivers states, therapy coverage rose from 20 to 65 per cent, yet this still leaves over a third of children without treatment. The reliance on global partners and uncertain domestic financing raises doubts about the sustainability of current outcomes. Named officials highlight systemic gaps but offer no concrete plan to resolve them.
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