In a move to combat pediatric HIV, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), The International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW West Africa), yesterday in Abuja, launched a comprehensive book on care initiatives for children living with the disease.
The book titled “Living with HIV in the Family: Care Strategies for Pediatric HIV” is a significant milestone in addressing the urgent need for targeted support and treatment.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, the director of policy, planning and coordination, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the book will help parents communicate better with their children about HIV, and also provide them with the knowledge on how to effectively provide care for children living with HIV.
Also speaking, Gabriel Uneligwu, the Community Support Adviser at UNAIDS, said, “No child should be born with HIV, but if a child is born with it, they should be provided with maximum care. They should ensure that the child is on treatment and supported to achieve their full potential.”
On his part, Taofik Adeleye, the Prevention Program manager of Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), noted that the book was launched at the right time as it will provide parents, caregivers and guardians with the resources to be able to manage and take care of children living with HIV effectively.
The book aims to provide healthcare providers with practical guidance on caring for children with HIV, offer families and caregivers essential information on supporting loved ones, and raise awareness about pediatric HIV and its impact on communities.
This launch is part of a broader movement to end AIDS in children by 2030. The Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children, a partnership between governments, NGOs, and international organisations, is working tirelessly to ensure all children with HIV have access to life-saving treatment.