Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing new HIV infections among women of reproductive age and preventing mother-to-child transmission.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development’s ‘Free to Shine’ campaign in the North-West zone in Kaduna on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that Nigeria has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to her, the campaign seeks to ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.
“Nigeria is the country with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population. This burden is particularly severe among children, youth, women, and marginalised groups.
“The goal of the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign is to raise awareness, renew our commitment, and take collective action against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. We must deepen engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours,” she said.
The First Lady also expressed concern over the high number of children and adults living with HIV in Nigeria, citing statistics from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“In 2024, there were over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV. It is also reported that most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested within the first two months of birth, largely because the mothers are either unaware or ignorant of the consequences of their inaction,” she said.
Tinubu also used the occasion to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030.
“I have also decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030. This campaign will cover all six geopolitical zones of the nation,” she stated.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who was present at the launch, commended the First Lady for her inspirational leadership and commitment to the cause.
The governor also urged both state and federal governments to refine and strengthen their policies on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.
He said, “Your Excellency, you continue to make us proud with the noble causes you pursue. You stand for the vulnerable, the poor, and the underserved, and you are now deploying your skills and competencies in the service of African women and children.
“In designing and implementing our interventions, we must ensure full involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS and patients with syphilis and hepatitis. We should also engage communities and carry out intensive and extensive awareness and sensitisation on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.”
