First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Leads Renewed Campaign to Eliminate HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis

Flags Off Free-To-Shine Campaign in Kwara

Ilorin, Kwara State – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a renewed drive to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, emphasizing the need for urgent action to combat rising infections, particularly through mother-to-child transmission.

Speaking at the flag-off of the Free-To-Shine Campaign in Ilorin, Kwara State, the First Lady called for intensified efforts to achieve the global Triple Elimination target by 2030. The initiative is a collaboration between the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and global health partners.

Rising Infections, Complacency in Africa a Major Concern

Senator Tinubu expressed concern over the increasing burden of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, noting that the country has the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population. She stressed that children, youth, women, and marginalized groups remain the most vulnerable.

"The Free-To-Shine campaign aims to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive," she stated.

The First Lady highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 15,000 children aged 0-14 died from AIDS-related illnesses just two years ago. She described each loss as "not just a statistic, but a future full of potential, sadly cut short," reinforcing the urgency of the campaign.

Hepatitis and Syphilis: Other Public Health Threats

Beyond HIV/AIDS, Senator Tinubu raised concerns about Hepatitis B and C, which can cause chronic liver diseases and cancer, as well as syphilis, which, if untreated, leads to miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths.

She urged faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, educational institutions, and families to intensify awareness efforts, particularly among those involved in childbirth services. Expanding access to HIV testing, counseling, and treatment is crucial to preventing further infections, she emphasized.

Kwara Governor, Health Experts Pledge Support

Kwara State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq commended the First Lady for spearheading the initiative, expressing optimism that Nigeria can meet the Triple Elimination goal by 2030. He cited past successes in eradicating polio and reducing tuberculosis infections as proof of the country’s capability.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, assured that the government remains committed to removing Nigeria from the list of high-burden HIV/AIDS countries.

WHO Country Representative Dr. Walter Mulombo also pledged support, stating that maternal and child healthcare outcomes would improve significantly with the renewed campaign. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working with OAFLAD, the First Lady, and Nigeria despite challenges facing global health organizations.

Other development partners, including UNICEF, NACA, and NASCP, also reiterated their commitment to the campaign.

Nationwide Rollout Through Governors’ Wives

The Free-To-Shine Campaign is set to be implemented across all states of the federation, with the Wives of Governors leading advocacy efforts at the state level to drive awareness and action.

The campaign aims to ensure that every child is born free of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, aligning with global health targets for disease elimination by 2030.

Signed
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
Thursday, 30th January 2025