In a passionate appeal, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the urgent need for concerted action in the battle against the rising rates of HIV infections in the country. The First Lady made the call while flagging off the Free-To-Shine campaign in Kaduna, located in the North West geopolitical zone.
The Free-To-Shine campaign is an advocacy initiative launched by the African Union, the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and other global partners. Senator Tinubu highlighted the alarming trend of complacency in addressing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS across the continent, especially in Nigeria, which has the highest burden of the virus in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population. The campaign aims to reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and ensure that all children born with HIV receive essential care.
Speaking on the gravity of the issue, Senator Tinubu shared her concerns about the preventable deaths, particularly among children. “Just two years ago, 15,000 children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Each of these children represented not just a statistic, but a future full of potential that was sadly cut short,” she said.
The First Lady also raised alarms about the spread of Hepatitis and Syphilis in the country. Hepatitis, especially types B and C, poses a severe threat, leading to chronic liver diseases and potentially liver cancer. Syphilis, if untreated, can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant deaths.
Senator Tinubu called for a renewed commitment to addressing these diseases through collective action and better prevention strategies. She also urged the involvement of key sectors, including faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, educational bodies, and families, in raising awareness about the prevention of HIV, particularly among individuals involved in birthing services.
Health professionals were lauded for their continued efforts in combating the three diseases, with the First Lady encouraging increased access to HIV testing services, comprehensive counseling, and treatment for those who test positive.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed his gratitude to Senator Tinubu for her leadership and commitment to the Free-To-Shine campaign, citing Nigeria’s success in eradicating polio and reducing tuberculosis mortality as evidence that the Triple Elimination goal is achievable.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing the nation's HIV/AIDS statistics, while Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, pledged the World Health Organization’s support for the campaign, despite the challenges faced by the organization.
Representatives from development partners, including UNICEF, NACA, and NASCP, also reaffirmed their dedication to the Free-To-Shine initiative. The event featured powerful testimonials from people living with HIV, underscoring the need to end the stigma surrounding the disease and emphasizing that it is not a death sentence.
The Free-To-Shine campaign, aimed at achieving the Triple Elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030, will be carried out across all states of Nigeria through the efforts of the wives of governors.
SIGNED Busola Kukoyi SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
Tuesday 25th February 2025
