The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Free to Shine Campaign against the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Africa.
Tinubu said that the campaign was an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and global partners.
She said the campaign was to address the growing complacency in the response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The first lady, while inaugurating the campaign in Ilorin, explained that Nigeria had the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its population size.
She emphasised that the burden was particularly high among children, youths, women and marginalised groups.
Tinubu explained that she decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030 in order to compliment the campaign.
According to her, the campaign will be held across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
“Today, we are inaugurating the campaign for the North Central zone in Kwara State, which aims to significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections among women of reproductive age.
“It also aims to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV, (Vertical Transmission), and to guarantee that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.
“According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in 2024, there were over 140,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV.
“Also, it is reported that most infants born to HIV-positive mothers, are not tested within the first two months of birth.
“This is largely due to the fact that the mothers are not aware or they are ignorant of the consequences of their inaction.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that just two 2 years ago, fifteen thousand children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses,” she said.
According to Tinubu, the goal of this campaign is to raise awareness, renew commitment, and take collective action against these diseases.
“I believe this aligns with our shared vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual, particularly women, youth, and children, can thrive and live healthier lives.
“Nigeria is at a pivotal stage in her fight against HIV/AIDS and is poised and ready to join other countries in Africa who have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030.
“This target is to see that 95 per cent of people living with HIV/AIDS know their status, while 95 per cent of those aware of their status are placed on life-saving antiretroviral treatment.
“Also, 95 per cent of people undergoing treatment achieve viral suppression, which means they cannot transmit the virus to others.
“We must deepen engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours, especially those engaging in birthing services.
“Access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counselling, treatment and care for all individuals who test positive, need to be expanded”, she added.
Earlier, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, assured that the state government would mobilise resources to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS received the required attention to live a healthy, productive life.
AbdulRazaq expressed concern over the impact of the HIV pandemic, and stressed the need for collective efforts to overcome the challenges of the virus.
He assured the first lady of the state government’s readiness to work with her and other stakeholders to checkmate the menace.
The Wife of the Kwara Governor, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the Free To Shine campaign as a welcome development, saying that it would eliminate mother to child transmission of the disease.
AbdulRazaq commended the first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative and the support to better the future of women and children in the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, explained that ending HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis was possible considering the country’s efforts in tackling diseases in the past.
Pate emphasised the need for young doctors to engage in research, assurance that the presence administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to supporting research.
The Executive Secretary, Organisation of African First Ladies For Development, Dr Nardos Berhanu identified children, women and the vulnerable ones as beneficiaries of the initiative, “as they are the most affected”.
Berhanu deacribed the campaign as “an action at all level”, and called on stakeholders including international organisations to support the campaign.