Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to curb new HIV infections among women of reproductive age and prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Speaking at the North-West zonal flag-off of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development’s (OAFLAD) ‘Free to Shine’ campaign in Kaduna on Tuesday, Mrs. Tinubu underscored the urgency of tackling Nigeria’s high HIV/AIDS burden.
According to the First Lady, “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.” She stressed that the campaign aims to ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.
She further stated, “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.”
Expressing concern over the prevalence of HIV in the country, the First Lady cited alarming 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 noted.
As part of her commitment, Mrs. Tinubu announced that she would be advocating 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 attended the launch, lauded the First Lady’s dedication to addressing public health challenges and pledged his administration’s support for the initiative.
“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,” Governor Sani said.
He urged both state and federal governments to refine and strengthen policies on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, ensuring that interventions involve people living with these conditions and prioritize community engagement.
“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,” the governor added.
The ‘Free to Shine’ campaign will continue across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, promoting awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and related infections.
