As number of people living with HIV/AIDS soar high within Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi has integrated a campaign, “Free to Shine” aims to lessen rising infection rate among women and children.
Mrs. Tinubu, during the flag-off ceremony of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development “Free to Shine” campaign held on Tuesday, stressed the significance of this development.
The event took place at the North-West zone in Kaduna State.
She further highlighted that in the Sub-Saharan region in Africa, Nigeria has the highest number of HIV infections due to its population affecting children, youth, women, and marginalised groups.
The campaigns aims to create awareness, offer supports and adequate treatment to children born with HIV.
“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 explained.
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While citing the numbers of affected people from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria’s first lady states that in 2024 over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults live with HIV.
“It is reported that most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested within the first two months of birth, largely due to the fact that the mothers are not aware or ignorant of the consequences of their inaction,” she added.
Targeting 2030 for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, she said, “I have also decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030. This campaign will cover the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
Also at the event launching, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, praised Senator Oluremi for her commitment and leadership style in serving the country.
Speaking at the event, he appealed that both state and federal governments should strengthen their health policies on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.
“In the design and implementation of our interventions, we should ensure that we fully involve people living with HIV/AIDS and patients with syphilis and hepatitis. We should also engage communities and carry out intensive and extensive awareness/sensitisation on these diseases.”
However, the campaign cut across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, accompanied by community engagement, rising awareness, and active participation.
Dignitaries attended the ceremony, including government officials and traditional rulers, among others.
