Nigeria Enrolls Over 6.5m Pregnant Women In Triple Elimination Programme

Nigeria has successfully enrolled more than 6.5 million pregnant women in its triple elimination programme, marking a major milestone in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.

The announcement was made by Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund, during the 14th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ibrahim noted that the achievement reflects strengthened data management, expanded health facility coverage, and targeted interventions nationwide. He highlighted that Nigeria previously lagged behind some West African countries in delivering essential health services to pregnant women.

According to Ibrahim, 99 per cent of pregnant women were tested for HIV in 2025, exceeding the national target of 95 per cent, while partner testing reached 95 per cent. The enrolment of over 6.5 million women represents the largest effort to date in preventing mother-to-child transmission of these diseases.

He reported 42,000 new HIV infections in 2025 and noted that antiretroviral (ARV) coverage stood at 77 per cent, signalling areas needing intensified focus. He stressed that the initiative, along with other innovations, will support Nigeria’s transition from basic to quality healthcare across the system.

Ibrahim also highlighted achievements in tuberculosis (TB) and malaria interventions. In 2025, 2.8 million community-based TB cases were detected, with over 3,000 successfully treated. The National TB and Leprosy Initiative (NLI) target for 2026 of 500,000 participants has already been surpassed, with 1.1 million enrolled.

In malaria control, 98 per cent of cases detected in supported facilities received timely treatment, and 97 per cent received appropriate therapy. Approximately 8,800 facilities, including those supported by the President’s Malaria Initiative, participated in interventions. He noted that 92 per cent of health facilities reported timely data, reflecting improvements in health management information systems.

Ibrahim mentioned Nigeria’s use of digital portable chest X-rays to detect TB and HIV among vulnerable populations, and highlighted that the Global Fund provided $3 million for governance and capacity building, and $701 million in programmatic funding. He added that 22 warehouses have been upgraded and equipped to strengthen the health supply chain.

He acknowledged remaining challenges, including staffing shortages, low ARV coverage, and data gaps, emphasizing that progress has been achieved through strategic planning, partner coordination, and integrated interventions.

“Through coordinated efforts, improved data systems, and quality care initiatives, Nigeria can continue to close gaps in HIV, TB, and malaria programmes and maximise opportunities to save lives,” Ibrahim concluded.