The expanded TWG is expected to offer strategic oversight, coordination, and technical guidance for integrated interventions across these disease areas. It will also monitor program implementation, analyze data, and refine strategies to respond to emerging trends and needs.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachallum Daju, described the initiative as a pivotal step toward achieving Nigeria’s health objectives.
“We’re making progress towards achieving epidemic control of HIV, and there’s an urgent need to shift from a single disease-focused approach to a more collaborative and integrated approach,” Daju stated.
He expressed confidence in the TWG’s capacity to drive meaningful change, particularly in the effort to eliminate vertical transmission of infections that continue to affect mothers and their newborns.
The Ministry’s initiative aligns with broader health strategies that seek to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. While Nigeria has seen significant progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the fight against syphilis and hepatitis B requires parallel momentum and focused interventions.
The expanded group includes representatives from key national agencies such as the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders in public health. This multi-sectoral collaboration is expected to promote integration, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure that health services are holistic and patient-centred.
Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health, represented by Dr Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services, described the TWG as a "vital platform" that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable and integrated healthcare systems.
“This vital platform reflects our continued commitment to delivering integrated, people-centred healthcare services in our country,” Nse said. “The expansion of this technical working group to include key entities is a great testament to our shared vision that integration is key to our sustainability.”
He further emphasised that aligning services for HIV, malaria, and reproductive health will bolster the health system and ensure no woman or child is left behind in the fight against preventable infections.
Recent efforts by the Ministry, including the procurement and distribution of HIV and syphilis test kits to all states, have already led to a 60% increase in syphilis screening among pregnant women. The TWG’s role will be to build on such progress and scale up efforts across regions.
The Ministry also acknowledged the advocacy role played by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has championed maternal health causes and mobilised support at the community level.
In closing, the Ministry reiterated its call for all TWG members to bring their expertise and dedication to the table, stressing that collaboration is key to achieving the nation’s health targets.
“Today’s inauguration is not just symbolic; it is strategic,” Nse affirmed. “We are formalising a collaborative platform where policymakers, programme managers, and implementing partners can work together to ensure that no woman or child is left behind.”