At least 58000 babies born HIV positive in Nigeria annually according to the United Nations
There has been increased testing and treatment to a larger number of Nigerians in steps towards eradicating the HIV/AIDs pandemic in the country according to the Executive Director of UNAIDs and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Michel Sidibe who is on a three day visit in the country.
“We are in a defining moment, Nigeria has been able to demonstrate that result is possible, that we can see decline on new infections, that we can see decline on the number of persons who are dying from HIV/AIDS, that we can increase the number of people on treatment.” Said Sidibe
Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations is working towards eliminating mother to child transmission. Babies born with HIV/AIDs have a 50 per cent chance of survival if put on treatment immediately after birth.
The United Nation’s under-secretary called on Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that Nigeria does not have babies dying of HIV by the end of his tenure.
