AHF Nigeria Launches "Mentor Mothers" Radio Campaign to Eliminate Paediatric HIV Transmission

AHF Nigeria launches the "Mentor Mothers" radio initiative to bridge awareness gaps and prevent paediatric HIV transmission. Learn how peer support is saving lives.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 3:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Leadership News

A Strategic Response to Paediatric HIV Gaps

AHF Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to combat paediatric HIV infections through the launch of a new community-based radio campaign. Titled “Mentor Mothers,” the initiative addresses one of the most persistent gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare programming: the high rate of transmission from mothers to their unborn children due to low awareness and limited access to testing. By using mass media, the foundation aims to reach women in the most underserved and hard-to-reach grassroots communities with accurate information on prevention and treatment protocols.

The Power of Peer Support and Localized Messaging

The cornerstone of the campaign is the involvement of "Mentor Mothers," who are women living with HIV who have successfully navigated PMTCT protocols to give birth to healthy, HIV-negative children. These women provide peer-to-peer education and psychological support, helping to demystify the treatment process. Following a successful pilot in Benue State, which saw high levels of audience engagement and call-in inquiries, the program is being scaled to other locations to foster a culture of trust and proactive health management.

Antenatal Care as a Gateway to Prevention

Health officials emphasize that HIV testing is a standard component of routine antenatal care in Nigeria. Once a pregnant woman tests positive, immediate enrollment in PMTCT services significantly reduces the risk of transmission. However, Omoseke Bamijoko, a PMTCT Focal Person for AHF Nigeria, noted that poor antenatal attendance and general lack of awareness remain the primary barriers to success. The radio campaign is designed to encourage expectant mothers to visit clinics early and often, ensuring they receive the necessary antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.