An Assessment of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Services in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionChildren living with HIV have been known to face the highest risk of AIDS-related deaths when compared to other age groups (Unicef, 2016). As at 2019, there were 38.0 million people living with HIV (UNAIDS, 2020). Out of these 36.2 million were adults, while 1.8 million were children 0-14 years. HIV is transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person by two major modes, namely, horizontal transmission and vertical transmission (or mother to child transmission MTCT)) (Mark, Crepaz, Jansen 2006; Federal Government of Nigeria 2002).Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) is a global interventional program initiated by the United Nations Organization to protect the children of the world from the scourge of the HIV pandemic, (UNGASS, 2002). The target is to have mother to child transmission eliminated and to substantially reduce AIDS related maternal deaths. The reduction of the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and children is the rationale for strengthening the programme for the prevention of mother to child transmission. The AIDS-response must focus on solutions for this extremely vulnerable population in preventing new infections, but also testing and starting treatment early are the best ways to end AIDS among the youngest children. Mother to child transmission of HIV greatly place our future generation at high risk of disabilities and reduced their life span. In an age where the tools and knowledge are at hand to prevent and treat HIV in children, yet new infections and deaths among this age group is a reflection of our collective failure to prioritize children as our future generation (UNICEF 2016).Acceleration of treatment for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is still needed to achieve elimination of new infections among children and half HIV related deaths among pregnant women and new mothers, (Unicef 2017). At the turn of the century, and the beginning of the Millennium Development Goals, an HIV diagnosis was equivalent to a death sentence for most children and their families in low-income countries. But, an early diagnosis paired with treatment and care can ensure long healthy lives, regardless of location, and can help prevent transmission of HIV to