From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A HIV advocacy group, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), has advocated a family-centred approach to tackling the myths and other related issue of HIV/AID among children.
The Foundation explained that the approach has proven to be efficient and effective in responding to HIV cases particularly among children, thus giving them sense of love and belonging as against stigmatization and discrimination.
EGPAF Country Director, Dr Avese Torbunde, made the suggestion at a high-level media briefing and end-of-project dissemination engagement in Abuja, on Thursday.
She said the engagement was designed to strengthen dialogue with the media by addressing the achievements and progress towards an AIDS-free generation which featured EGPAF’s work that align with the agenda of “leaving no child behind” and ending AIDS in children by 2030.
She said the involvement of family members as well as love and care from them would help to neutralize the myth and misconceptions associated with HIV treatment in Nigeria.
She said the Foundation adopted the approach and other measures in response to HIV cases among children in Taraba and River States, where the Foundation carried out several advocacy and response projects.
Dr. Rosemary Ugwu, Consultant Pediatrician, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in her presentation stressed the need for collective effort to strengthen the prevention from mother to child transmission, and protect the health and future of children.
She appreciated the support and contributions of the EGPAF to the cause of finding cases of HIV in children and linking children them to nearby treatment facility.
However, she amplified the need for a more careful approach to handing the case of HIV-positive children which often result in silent crisis in homes, which, if not carefully handled, could lead to breaking of homes.
“In many cases, these HIV positive children are put on anti-retroviral drugs by their parents without them having adequate information on what the drug does. And these drugs are taken on daily basis. These children are kept in the dark for several years until they start reacting differently to their parents because of forceful consumption of drugs.
“In some point, blackmail could be introduced by the children. Some would insist on getting something from their parents before they take the drugs. Some, out of curiosity, could make some research about the drug to find out what they do to the body.
She maintained that a HIV-free generation is possible if there could be openness and support for each other, particularly from family members to children and young adolescent who are infected with the virus.