UNICEF Supports Bauchi With 25,000 HIV Test Kits

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 25,000 HIV test kits to the Bauchi state government to strengthen efforts aimed at curbing the prevalence of HIV, particularly among children under the age of five.

The donation, made through the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, is intended to ensure early testing of children, prompt diagnosis, and immediate treatment, where necessary.

Receiving the test kits at the UNICEF Central Store on Monday, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr Adamu Sambo, described the intervention as timely and critical.

“These are HIV test kits specifically meant for children below the age of five. UNICEF has provided us with a total of 25,000 kits to support testing among this vulnerable group,” he said.

Sambo explained that children under five are at significant risk of HIV infection and, if diagnosed early, have a better chance of surviving and living healthier lives.

“If we want to control HIV, we must target children early, test them promptly, and place them on treatment. Early intervention is key to containing the spread of the disease,” he added.

He noted that BACATMA has been facing persistent shortages of test kits, especially for targeted testing among children, despite the state government’s efforts to bridge the gap.

“This donation means a lot to us. The available kits have not been sufficient to meet the needs of the people. UNICEF’s support will go a long way in closing the gap in diagnosis and early treatment for children under five in Bauchi State,” he stressed.

Sambo said the agency would prioritise high-burden areas and ensure that every child delivered in health facilities is tested for HIV.

“If a child is found to be HIV-positive, we will immediately place the child on treatment. Childhood treatment is central to winning the fight against HIV,” he said.

He added that the agency would also strengthen Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services by testing mothers and children across primary, secondary, and partner health facilities, including the MSF centre in Ganjuwa, which treats many malnourished children.

“We will detect cases early and ensure that all positive children are enrolled in treatment,” Dr Sambo said.

He expressed appreciation to UNICEF on behalf of the Bauchi State Government and people, describing the gesture as an investment in the future of the state’s children.

“With this support, outcomes will definitely improve. Bauchi State is on the right track towards eradicating HIV, Insha Allah,” he assured.

Also speaking, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said the test kits were provided to improve the health and well-being of children, particularly those under five.

She emphasised that early detection of HIV enables timely treatment and helps prevent mother-to-child transmission.

“This is a critical intervention aimed at identifying HIV infection early and saving children’s lives by preventing mother-to-child transmission,” she said.

Dr Rafique added that mothers would also be counselled on appropriate nutrition and breastfeeding practices once children are tested, to ensure optimal care.

She urged BACATMA to immediately deploy the kits, especially in health facilities where deliveries are conducted, to achieve the intended impact.