Health: Over 7,000 HIV-Positive Mothers in Nasarawa Face Livelihood Crisis, Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding

Over 7,000 HIV-positive mothers in Nasarawa State face a severe lack of basic livelihood, leading to poor exclusive breastfeeding practices and increased child and maternal mortality. 

Philip Lokoko, former State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, highlighted these challenges during the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week event in Lafia.

For the first time, hundreds of HIV-positive mothers in Nasarawa State publicly marked World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness about exclusive breastfeeding benefits. 

Lokoko noted that out of over 15,000 childbearing mothers who tested positive for HIV, only 7,000 have sought public help. He emphasized that the inability to afford three square meals is a significant barrier to exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Nasarawa State Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, Mrs. Rahab Irmiya, called for government intervention to support these women and combat malnutrition and child mortality.

A mother of four, Mrs. Rahila Audu, shared that her children are HIV-negative despite her status, but economic hardship hinders her ability to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Dr. Ruth Bello, Executive Director of Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency, noted that awareness campaigns have reduced stigma, encouraging more women to seek help.

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