Nigeria accounts for the second-highest number of new HIV infections in the world, with over 150,000 children born with HIV each year. Most cases are due to mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Many pregnant women are not screened early, missing the chance for treatment that can prevent transmission. This project will provide free HIV tests and counseling for 15,000 pregnant women in rural clinics to help reduce new infections in babies.
Many pregnant women in Nigeria do not know their HIV status due to cost, distance to clinics, or lack of awareness. Without early testing and treatment, there is a high chance they may pass the virus to their babies. Health facilities in rural areas are often understaffed and underfunded, making it harder for women to get tested. Preventable HIV infections in newborns continue because basic maternal screening is missing.
The project will provide free HIV screening for 15,000 pregnant women in local clinics and remote villages. Trained health workers will conduct tests, offer counseling, and refer HIV-positive women for treatment. Mobile teams will visit hard-to-reach areas to reach women who cannot travel to hospitals. Early screening will help prevent mother-to-child transmission by linking women to care during pregnancy and childbirth.
With routine HIV testing during pregnancy, fewer babies will be born with the virus. Families will spend less on treatment, and more mothers will stay healthy to care for their children. The project can build a habit of early testing in communities and help local clinics manage HIV cases better. In the future, this can lower new infections and reduce HIV-related deaths among women and infants.
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