Screen Pregnant Women for HIV in Nigeria

Dear Donors,

We are grateful to the donors who have shown support for the Screen Pregnant Women for HIV in Nigeria project. Your concern for the health of mothers and newborns is deeply appreciated. At present, however, the contributions received are still too small to begin the screening activities planned for rural communities.

Across many parts of Nigeria, pregnant women do not receive HIV testing early in pregnancy. Some live far from health facilities, while others cannot afford the cost of tests or are unaware of the importance of early screening. In rural clinics where resources are limited, routine testing is not always available.

Without early diagnosis, women who are living with HIV may unknowingly pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This preventable transmission continues to contribute to thousands of newborn infections each year. When mothers are tested early and receive treatment, the chances of transmission to the child can be greatly reduced.

This project plans to provide free HIV screening and counseling for 15,000 pregnant women through rural clinics and outreach visits to remote communities. Trained health workers will conduct confidential tests, provide counseling, and guide women who test positive toward treatment and follow-up care. Mobile health teams will also visit villages where access to clinics is difficult.

Early testing during pregnancy helps protect both mother and child. When women know their status, they can begin treatment promptly and receive guidance that supports safer childbirth and infant care.

We sincerely appreciate the encouragement already shown toward this effort. The concern expressed by donors strengthens our determination to reach more women with life-saving screening. Continued support from compassionate partners will help bring this program into operation and protect many babies from preventable HIV infection.

Sincerely,

Joy Ojochogwu Etubi
Project Leader