Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has lamented that the vulnerability of children to HIV remains a major source of concern.
Buni raised the concern on Monday at an event commemorating the 2024 World AIDS Day with a theme: “Take the Rights Path: Sustain HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children in Nigeria by 2030.”
Represented by his deputy, the governor said prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV care are central to the state’s strategy in combating the virus in the state.
“Yobe State has prioritised the integration of PMTCT services into primary healthcare centres to ensure that no child is born with HIV,” he said.
Buni stressed that the state is committed to scaling up early infant diagnosis and treatment services and providing support systems for children living with HIV.
“This effort will require close collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, and healthcare workers to ensure that these services reach even the most remote areas of our state,” he added.
He assured development partners that the capacity of local government healthcare departments would continue to be strengthened and ensure that they have the resources and support to implement effective HIV programs.
“Traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and community values, will play a pivotal role in mobilising community support and addressing stigma and discrimination,” he said.
Buni commended implementing partners, NGOs, CSOs, and the Network of People Living With HIV and AIDS, NEPWHAN, for ensuring access to treatment, prevention, and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
