By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring zero tolerance for the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child.
Dr. Obidike made this known on Tuesday, June 2, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, where he informed participants that the state government remains committed to drastically reducing HIV transmission from mothers to their children.
The meeting, held at Trig Premium Hotel, Nibo, brought together health officials, development partners, and implementing agencies to review ongoing interventions and strengthen healthcare service delivery across the state.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health stressed the importance of critically reviewing identified gaps in service delivery, emphasizing that the state government has zero tolerance for lapses that could undermine healthcare outcomes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV to the barest minimum, noting that regular review meetings provide an important platform for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
According to him, the state is targeting a reduction in mother-to-child HIV transmission to 0.5 per cent, in line with global best practices and the government’s broader public health objectives.
To further strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, Dr. Obidike directed that all Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) operating within the state be identified and registered within one week. He explained that the move would enhance referral systems and help reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.
Earlier in her address, the State AIDS and STIs Programme Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, commended the data-driven approach adopted by the Commissioner for Health in advancing the integration of PMTCT with other disease control programmes.
She urged stakeholders to actively contribute to discussions as the state intensifies efforts toward achieving HIV epidemic control, particularly among pregnant women and their infants.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo, applauded the dedication of the state health team, development partners, and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
She, however, called for greater commitment from stakeholders, particularly in ensuring consistent attendance and quality representation at technical review meetings, stressing that stronger collaboration remains critical to achieving the state’s healthcare goals.
The meeting attracted a wide range of participants, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Uchebo; the Head of Administration, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank; the NASCP South-East Zonal Technical Officer, Rosemary Akpati; development partners; implementing agencies; and other health sector stakeholders.
Discussions centred on the assessment of programmes in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and PMTCT. Participants also examined programme achievements, identified existing challenges, and developed strategies aimed at improving health outcomes.
Representatives of key development partners and stakeholders, including AHNI, AHF, CHAI, NEPWHAN, and the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), were also in attendance.
The meeting featured presentations on first-quarter 2026 performance reports covering RMNCAEH, Nutrition, Malaria, NCDs, and PMTCT programmes.
Participants also received updates on PMTCT services in facilities supported by AHNI and AHF across the state.
