UNICEF: Almost 15% of global AIDS-related deaths in children, adolescents occur in Nigeria

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has raised an alarm over the alarming rate of AIDS-related deaths in children and adolescents in Nigeria. According to Dr. Idris Baba, an HIV and AIDS specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, about 15% of global AIDS-related deaths in children and adolescents occur in Nigeria alone. This stark statistic highlights the urgent need for action to address the childhood HIV crisis in the country. Dr. Idris pointed out that while significant progress has been made in combating HIV among adults and adolescents, the pediatric component, particularly children aged 0 to 14, lags behind. In 2019, Nigeria recorded approximately 20,000 new infections and 13,000 deaths among children, contributing significantly to the global toll of 100,000 deaths. The challenges faced in providing care to children include difficulties in accessing pediatric formulations of HIV drugs and ensuring retention in treatment programs. Despite these challenges, Dr. Idris expressed optimism about recent developments in HIV treatment for children. Efforts are underway to improve the availability of multiple, palatable medications for children and to streamline testing processes using new technologies such as point-of-care tests. By bringing testing and treatment closer to children, UNICEF aims to identify and enroll more children into care early on, ultimately reducing the number of deaths. The call for action extends beyond healthcare to policy and governmental support. Dayo Amzat, the Managing Director and CEO of Zedcrest Capital, emphasized the importance of localized treatments and data gathering to inform interventions. He highlighted the need for evidence-based programming and data-driven decision-making to address the specific needs of children living with HIV in Nigeria. On the policy front, efforts are being made to ensure the availability of HIV drugs at the local level through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to reduce costs and increase accessibility, with the price of a year's supply of medication already reduced from $180 to $120. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and philanthropists is crucial in advancing the production and availability of these life-saving drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented additional challenges for HIV programs, including limited access to healthcare facilities and disruptions in service delivery. In response, UNICEF has worked to build a resilient HIV program that can adapt to the impact of the pandemic. Innovations such as longer drug dispensing intervals and community distribution of medications have helped maintain essential services for people living with HIV. Despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19, efforts to address the childhood HIV crisis in Nigeria remain a top priority for UNICEF and its partners. By leveraging data-driven strategies, promoting localized treatment approaches, and ensuring access to affordable medication, significant progress can be made in reducing AIDS-related deaths among children and adolescents in the country.