Around 160,000 children living with HIV in Nigeria, Christian body says

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called on the government and relevant stakeholders to enhance efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS among children in the country.

According to the CCN, there are approximately 160,000 children in Nigeria living with HIV, but only 45,000 are receiving treatment.

During the closing ceremony of an HIV intervention program in collaboration with the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Abuja, CCN President Most Rev. David Onuoha, represented by Archbishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, expressed concern over the high number of children with HIV in Nigeria and emphasized the need for urgent action to address the issue.

“Our mission is to identify with the needy and less privileged, and to make a positive impact on their lives. Our efforts have been enriching and impactful. We are committed to combating the HIV epidemic in our society, and we urge all relevant NGOs and government agencies to join us in this crusade,” he said.

While acknowledging progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, Onuoha emphasized the need for more work.

He added: “According to statistics, Nigeria has a high number of children who are HIV victims – 160,000, with only 45,000 undergoing treatment. This is unacceptable, and we must do more to address this issue.”

Gracias Ross, WCC representative, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Ross said: “160,000 children are living with HIV, but remember that two million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. They will have partners and children.

“In what condition will these children be born? We must change things. If these children are alone and don’t have a family, the church has to be their family.

“This is the calling that we should become the father of the fatherless and fight for the widows and fight for justice.”

Ross also highlighted the need for comprehensive education on sexuality, saying, “You can imagine how many young people don’t have any positive orientation on sexuality. So the Church should be bringing light to these large numbers of young people in Nigeria who are not having information.”

The event featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to combat HIV/AIDS.

The CCN and WCC’s efforts aim to provide support and treatment to those affected, reduce stigma, and promote awareness and education to prevent the spread of the disease.