The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has called for a commitment on the part of the government and stakeholders to end the transmission of mother-child HIV/AIDS.
ASWHAN, with support from the United Nations Women, held a three-day training workshop for the stakeholders in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The association’s National Coordinator, Esther Hindi, on Thursday, said the body trained over 100 facilitators in a bid to end the mother-child transmission of the disease.
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“ASWHAN, with support from the UN Women, is holding a three-day training workshop with the theme, ‘Peer to Peer Tot Peer Educators in Asaba.’ We bring stakeholders from Northern and Southern Nigeria; from six zones to this training, so that we train them for onward training at the community level.
“ASWHAN is 20 years old this year, and we want to see a situation where women living with HIV/AIDS will live better lives, and cannot be hindered by their status to achieve desired goals.
“Therefore, we want to end mother-child HIV/AIDS transmission in Nigeria to reduce the rate of children contracting the virus. If a pregnant woman has the necessary information and access, HIV from mother to child can be prevented.”
“It is a commitment and call for everybody because transmission of mother-child HIV/AIDS is something that can be prevented and stopped,” said Hindi.
In her keynote address, the Director, Women Development and Gender Affairs in the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Faith Okpohworho, urged stakeholders to work together to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every woman can thrive.
“Today, we gather to reaffirm our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS. This toolkit represents a vital resource, enabling peer support, education and advocacy.
“The ministry extend their gratitude to the UN Women, UNAIDS, and NACA for their unwavering support. Your partnership has been instrumental in making this project a reality.
“To the women living with HIV/AIDS, we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. This toolkit is a testament to our dedication to your well-being, dignity, and rights”
In a goodwill message, the STUAIDS and Viral Hepatitis Programme Coordinator in the state, Dr Linda Bay, said the training was crucial in fostering peer support, advocacy, and leadership among women, enhancing their capacities to navigate HIV prevention, treatment, and care.