The Pediatric Unit of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) focuses on reducing the burden of pediatric HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
We have expanded comprehensive pediatric ART services to appropriately-staffed health facilities in Nasarawa, Katsina, Rivers states and the FCT, targeting children and adolescents living with HIV, including Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
Through IHVN partner health facilities, the unit has ensured effective on-site Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) services. Other services include, Point-of-Service Provider Initiated Testing and Counseling (where every child that walks into the clinic is tested irrespective of what brought them to the hospital, with parent’s permission) at immunization points, pediatric wards, pediatric Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and all other points of general pediatric service delivery. Also, we have strengthened supported facilities to actively seek HIV-exposed and/ or infected children.
The unit also supports the National Task Team on anti-retroviral treatment to adapt and adopt WHO treatment guidelines and collaborates with the Federal Ministry of Health, Supply Chain Management Systems (SCMS) and other United States Government agencies to ensure streamlining of ART formulation for children as well as procuring child-friendly fixed-dose-combination ARVs for children.
We promote integration of pediatric anti-retroviral treatment services into maternal and child health services of all supported sites through advocacy to stakeholders and site management in the spirit of encouraging ownership and sustainability.
