From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
An NGO, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) on Tuesday, trained mentor mothers on bridging the gaps in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS.
Speaking, Mrs Christie Awunor, the AHF State Nursing Coordinator for Abuja, Kogi and Nasarrawa, said the training was organised by AHF to mark the International Women’s Day’ 2022, with the theme: ”Break The Bias”, in Kabba, Kogi.
She noted that the training was to educate the mentor mothers more on PMTCT in order to support the AHF program on HIV/AIDS prevention and advocacy in the state.
According to her, mentor mothers are HIV-positive women who serve as counselors for PMTCT clients, provide guidance and support in keeping appointments and promoting antiretroviral adherence and retention-in-care.
She stressed that the program would enable the mentor mothers to work in collaboration with health workers and other peer educators to encourage, educate and empower HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers in the communities.
She encouraged the women to be brave and break harmful biases in their lives, and bringing about positive change in their communities and in the lives of their friends and families.
The Kogi State Coordinator of AHF, Dr. Onyeyili Ikemefuna, said AHF being gender sensitive was using the IWD to reflect on the sacrifice, celebrating and highlighting the achievements of strong and successful women globally.
He stressed that the AHF had been standing strong with women living with HIV, reduced the scourge, and had effectively prevent mother-to-child transmission in Kogi State.
”Together, we can all help ‘Break the Bias’ and build a more equitable, inclusive future for women everywhere particularly in Kogi State”, he said.
One of the participants, Remilekun Michael, thanked AHF for the gesture assuring that they would go back to cascade the training at their various communities.