The Southwest geopolitical zone has become the fifth region in Nigeria to join the Free To Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, following the official flag-off by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Emphasizing the need to deepen engagement with all stakeholders, the First Lady highlighted the importance of ending the culture of stigmatization against individuals living with or surviving HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.
“I want to commend members of the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS for their testimonies,” Senator Tinubu said. “Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS to seek the support and treatment they deserve with courage and confidence.”
She also expressed appreciation to frontline health workers, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), research and public health institutions, and global partners for their unwavering support in combatting the three diseases.
“I specially recognize the WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, PEPFAR, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), among others,” she said.
Senator Tinubu stressed that the Triple Elimination Campaign, which targets the eradication of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030, must be youth-led, as they are the most affected demographic for new infections.
“To our dear children and youth, this campaign cannot succeed without your involvement,” she noted. “You represent our future generation; however, your age group is one of the most vulnerable. Please take care and protect yourselves. We have intensified advocacy through media campaigns across all 36 states and the FCT, and we hope it resonates.”
She also called for greater engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviors, especially among those offering birthing services. The goal is to expand access to HIV testing, comprehensive counselling, and treatment for all who test positive.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged to review the state’s budget to reflect the urgent need for increased healthcare funding, especially in light of recent cuts to global health funding during the Donald Trump administration.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, assured that the Federal Government is already addressing requests for free or heavily subsidized liver and kidney function tests and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. Efforts are underway to capture data for those not currently covered by health insurance schemes.
A major highlight of the launch was a powerful Ewi (traditional Yoruba poetry) performance by Oluwatomilayo, promoting positive lifestyles for healthy youth. This set the stage for the official flag-off of the Free To Shine Triple Elimination Campaign by the First Lady.
The campaign is focused on prevention, particularly among women of reproductive age and young children, and aims to significantly reduce disease prevalence among high-risk groups.
With the successful Southwest launch, the Southeast remains the only geopolitical zone yet to join the campaign.
