By Our Reporter
Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, ASWHAN Nasarawa State Chapter has called on government at all levels and stakeholders to commit more resources to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programmes in rural communities across the state.
The State Coordinator of ASWHAN, Mrs Rahab Irmiya made the call during a press briefing as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Lafia the Nasarawa State capital.
The event was organized by ASWHAN in collaboration with the Global Network of People Living with HIV, GNP+ through the Love Alliance Last Mile Grant as part of steps toward an innovative approach for working deeply with communities to understand the needs and priorities of the most underserved especially women living with Hiv and Aids.
The Nasarawa State Coordinator of ASWHAN stated that the drive toward eliminating HIV and AIDS in Nigeria by 20230 was an all-inclusive project that needed more awareness and funding, as well as provision of skills to women living with HIV and AIDS to overcome stigma.
She noted that most child bearing mothers living with HIV and AIDS in the rural communities were still facing a lot of stigma and poverty which according to her, necessary steps needed to be taken to tackle transmission of the virus.
“I commend those of you who have come out to identify yourself as breastfeeding mothers living with HIV and AIDS. With medical care that you have been given, I want to assure you that your children are safe . They will not contract HIV, so keep on breastfeeding your children exclusively at least for the first six months of birth, ” she said.
Mrs Rahab Irmiya noted that the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week with the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” was unique as it was the first time Breastfeeding mothers living with Hiv and Aids were brought together in their hundreds to a public function.
She stressed the need for Government and the private sector to develop policies aimed at supporting all nursing mothers irrespective of their work to provide at least 18 months paid maternity leave and paid time off for breastfeeding to enhance the health and well being of the children.
“There is a need for the family system and the society to provide support to breastfeeding mothers in their diversities to create an enabling environment as breast milk is the optimal food for growth and development of infants and the practice saves money in the short and run”, Rahab pointed out.
The ASWHAN coordinator commended the implementing partners including Global Network of People Living with Hiv and the Last Mile Grant for their consistency and determination to ensure that women living with HIV and AIDS are reached and given sense of belonging.