PLOS Global Public Health (Jan 2023)

An analysis of the uptake of anti-retroviral treatment among pregnant women in Nigeria from 2015 to 2020.

  • Akudo E Ikpeazu,
  • Samuel E Anya,
  • Richard N Amenyah,
  • Olugbenga A Ijaodola,
  • Adebobola T Bashorun,
  • Chinwendu Daniel Ndukwe,
  • Abiola Davies,
  • Mojisola Mobolaji-Bello,
  • Chioma Ukanwa,
  • Adaoha O Anosike,
  • Uduak Daniel,
  • Doris A Ogbang,
  • Koubagnine V Takpa,
  • Olumuyiwa A Ojo,
  • Otse Ogorry,
  • Murphy Akpu,
  • Gregory Ashefor,
  • Alex Ogundipe,
  • Gambo G Aliyu,
  • Erasmus Morah

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001749
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 4
p. e0001749

Abstract

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The percentage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive pregnant women that receive anti-retroviral treatment in Nigeria is low and has been declining. Consequently, 14% of all new infections among children in 2020 occurred in Nigeria. A detailed analysis of available data was undertaken to generate evidence to inform remedial actions. Data from routine service delivery, national surveys and models were analyzed for the six-year period from 2015 to 2020. Numbers and percentages were calculated for antenatal registrations, HIV testing, HIV positive pregnant women and HIV positive pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment. The Mann-Kendall Trend Test was used to determine the presence of time trends when the p-value was less than 0.05. In 2020, only 35% of an estimated 7.8 million pregnant women received antenatal care at a health facility that provided and reported PMTCT services. Within these facilities, the percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women on anti-retroviral treatment from 71% in 2015 to 88% in 2020. However, declining HIV positivity rates at these antenatal clinics and an absence of expansion of PMTCT services to other pregnant women due to cost-efficiency considerations contributed to a progressive decline in national PMTCT coverage rates. To achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, all pregnant women should be offered a HIV test, all who are HIV positive should be given anti-retroviral treatment, and all PMTCT services should be reported.