The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed concern over the increasing rate of new HIV infections in the country, calling for concerted efforts, particularly from key stakeholders in society.
Senator Tinubu made this known in Kaduna, Kaduna State, where she launched the Free-To-Shine Campaign in the North West Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria.
The campaign is an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and other global partners. It aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis as public health threats by 2030.
She highlighted the growing complacency in the response to these diseases across Africa, warning that urgent action is required.
“The Free-To-Shine Campaign is an advocacy initiative of the AU, OAFLAD, and global partners to tackle the increasing complacency in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Nigeria, having the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to our population size, must take this challenge seriously. The burden is particularly high among children, youth, women, and marginalized groups.”
“The campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (vertical transmission), and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.”
The First Lady emphasized the urgent need for awareness, renewed commitment, and collective action to combat these diseases, aligning with the vision of a healthier Nigeria where women, youth, and children can live healthier lives.
She further expressed concern over child mortality due to AIDS-related illnesses:
“It is heartbreaking to learn that just two years ago, 15,000 children between the ages of 0–14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Each of these children was not just a statistic but a future full of potential, sadly cut short. These ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, diagnosis, and access to treatment.”
Addressing the threat of Hepatitis and Syphilis, Senator Tinubu warned that:
“Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, continues to pose a significant health risk, as it can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer. If left untreated, Syphilis can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, neonatal and infant deaths.”
She commended health workers and agencies combating these diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, while urging faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, educational institutions, and families to intensify advocacy efforts. She stressed the importance of expanding access to HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and care, particularly among those providing birthing services.
Stakeholders’ response
In his remarks, Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, praised the First Lady for championing the cause, expressing confidence that Nigeria can achieve the Triple Elimination Goal by 2030, just as the nation successfully eradicated polio and made significant progress in combating tuberculosis.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, assured that the ministry remains committed to ensuring Nigeria exits the list of countries with high HIV/AIDS and related disease burdens.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, represented at the event, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting OAFLAD, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Nigeria in the fight against these diseases.
Other development partners, including UNICEF, NACA, and NASCP, also pledged their continued support for the campaign.
There were also testimonials from people living with HIV, aimed at combating stigmatization and encouraging those affected that HIV is not a death sentence.
The Free-To-Shine Campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative will be driven across all states of the federation by the Wives of Governors, ensuring nationwide implementation.
