First Lady Lordina Mahama Calls for United Action to End AIDS in Mothers and Children by 2030

The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has urged African leaders, development partners and civil society organisations to intensify efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B by the year 2030.

She made the call during the First Lady High-Level Side Meeting on Ending AIDS in Children and Mothers, held at the Presidency on Thursday 4th December, 2025 in Accra.

The First Lady emphasised that the meeting represented an opportunity to reaffirm Africa’s shared commitment to protecting women and children. “This presents an opportunity for us to confirm our shared commitment to one of the most pressing health priorities affecting our continent—safeguarding the health and dignity of mothers and children across Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Mahama stressed that meaningful progress will only come through the collective determination of African First Ladies and health stakeholders. “The power of this conference lies not in our titles, but in our shared determination to translate our advocacy into action,” she said. “As First Ladies, we carry a responsibility to elevate the voices of those who are too often unheard—the mothers in remote villages, the newborns who are vulnerable to preventable infections, and the communities striving for healthier lives.”

She expressed concern that despite notable progress, the numbers remain troubling. “Thousands of African children continue to acquire HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding—yet these infections can be prevented with timely intervention,” she said. She added that too many women still lack access to antenatal care, early testing and life-saving treatment, even though, “UNICEF and WHO have confirmed that mother-to-child transmission rates can be reduced to below 5%.”

According to her, eliminating such infections is “not just a health challenge; it is a test of our collective commitment.”

Mrs. Mahama applauded the work of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in mobilising political support and community-driven health solutions. “Our united voice as First Ladies has highlighted the urgency of maternal and child health on national agendas. It has mobilised resources, strengthened political commitment and advocated for community-based solutions,” she said.

Highlighting progress in Ghana, she noted that her office, in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission, has carried out extensive community medical outreach programmes across various regions. “Through these initiatives, women, young people and families have received free screening for HIV and other conditions, comprehensive counselling, and direct access to quality care,” she said.

Mrs. Mahama also referenced President Mahama’s launch of the Mahama Cares Initiative, which seeks to expand access to health care and address chronic and non-communicable diseases. According to her, “This programme demonstrates our strong conviction that quality primary health care is not a privilege for a few, but a basic right for all.”

Touching on the triple elimination agenda, she noted that ending mother-to-child transmission demands more than clinical solutions. “It requires strengthened health systems, effective community engagement that reaches the last mother in the smallest rural village, bold action against stigma, integrated service delivery, and strong political leadership,” she said.

The First Lady called for renewed commitment, stating, “No child should be born carrying an infection that could have been prevented. No mother should be deprived of the dignity and services that safeguard her health and her baby’s future.”

Mrs. Mahama commended OAFLAD, UNAIDS, the Society for AIDS in Africa and other development partners for their leadership, noting that the outcome of the meeting would influence the health and wellbeing of millions. She encouraged participants to leave Accra with clear resolve: “Let us leave here united in purpose and confident in action. Let us ensure that our advocacy results in accessible clinics, affordable medicines, trained health workers and empowered communities.”

She concluded her address with a message of hope, borrowing from President Mahama’s campaign message: “We must build an Africa where no mother is left behind and no child remains vulnerable.”