This project works to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Nigeria through home visits to pregnant women in rural areas and support for disadvantaged hospitals. In Nigeria, only about 10% of pregnant women are tested for HIV, and many do not receive proper care. We will provide testing support, education, and referrals to help mothers protect their babies and stay healthy. This will also reduce cases where fear of discrimination leads to harm against newborns.
Many pregnant women in rural and underserved areas lack access to HIV testing and care. About 22,000 children are infected each year through mother-to-child transmission in Nigeria, and coverage for prevention services remains below 50%. Without early testing and treatment, babies face risk during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. Mothers' fear of discrimination against their children can also lead to neglect and harm in some cases.
We will visit pregnant women in their homes to provide HIV education, testing support, and follow-up care. We will also support disadvantaged hospitals with basic resources to improve care for mothers. Women who test positive will be linked to treatment to reduce the risk of passing HIV to their babies. To address mothers' fear of discrimination against their children, we will provide community education and awareness to promote acceptance and prevent harmful practices.
More mothers will know their HIV status and receive care early. With proper support, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can drop from as high as 45% to below 5%. Fewer children will be born with HIV, and more families will remain healthy. This will also reduce discrimination against affected children and improve acceptance, leading to more informed communities across rural and underserved areas, including urban slums, in Nigeria.
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