Dr. Stanley Idakwo, Project Director of the Rivers ASPIRE Project
Rivers State has recorded more than 95% HIV testing acceptance among pregnant women between 2020 and 2023, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) reports.
Dr Stanley Idakwo, Project Director of the Rivers ASPIRE Project, stated that the success stems from strategic community engagement, peer mentorship, and the mentor mother model, which provides counselling and emotional support to expectant mothers. Data from the District Health Information System show that testing rates have remained between 95% and 100% during this period, with approximately 98.6% of clients being satisfied with PMTCT services.
Challenges remain, including distance to health facilities (31.7%), transportation costs (20.1%), and long waiting times (16.5%). IHVN addresses these issues through task-sharing, improved case management, and the integration of PMTCT with maternal and child health services.
The project, supported by PEPFAR-CDC and the Global Fund, has trained over 400 Traditional Birth Attendants and linked them to 115 health facilities using a hub-and-spoke model. Efforts also focus on improving ARV prophylaxis, follow-up care, and facility-based deliveries.
Idakwo emphasised that continued capacity building, expanded service coverage, and community partnerships are vital to achieving the ultimate goal: eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission in Rivers State.
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