The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Welcomes a Leader in Our Nigeria Program

Nigeria bears one of the largest burdens of HIV infection in the world. The country, one of the most populous in Africa, has the second-highest number of people living with HIV (1.6 million). The epidemic is concentrated among women, children, and youth, among other key populations. And yet, in recent years, HIV testing among pregnant women, critical to preventing transmission of HIV to children, has stalled and diagnostics and access to treatment among children have declined.

In 2021, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) began filling a critical niche in the HIV response for children, adolescents, and pregnant women in Nigeria. EGPAF is currently piloting innovative service delivery models, building partnerships to better link HIV services across the community and facility levels, growing specialized clinical capacity in pediatric HIV, and partnering with federal and state health leaders to advocate for children and families living with HIV in the country. Dr. Nguavese Torbunde joined EGPAF as the program manager for Nigeria to see this vision through.

Dr. Torbunde is a seasoned public health specialist with more than 10 years of experience working in the Nigerian health sector. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, she carved out a career making significant contributions to the HIV program for the country. She has coordinated and led the implementation of several public health interventions targeted at reducing treatment gaps for children and adolescents living with HIV in Nigeria. Notable among these interventions are pediatric intensified case finding—All Kids Count Quality Improvement Collaborative and Operation Triple Zero—for adolescents and young people. She has also contributed to the development of national policies, which prioritize and protect the lives of children and adolescents in the country.

EGPAF is delighted to have Dr. Torbunde lead our initiatives, rooted in her experiences in strengthening health systems and using evidence to inform action.

Read more on our work in Nigeria here.