Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off ‘Free to Shine’ Campaign in North East, Urges Collective Action on HIV/AIDS

Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off ‘Free to Shine’ Campaign in North East, Urges Collective Action on HIV/AIDS

Jalingo, Taraba State — April 11, 2025  

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger collaboration and intensified awareness campaigns to tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among adolescents and young people. She made the appeal while launching the *Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign* in Nigeria’s North East geopolitical zone.

The campaign aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis and to improve access to treatment and care for those already living with the conditions. 

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of involving traditional and religious leaders, market associations, and especially the youth in the national response to HIV/AIDS. She urged Nigerians to seize the moment and work toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030 — ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% on treatment achieve viral suppression.

“The *Free to Shine* campaign seeks to drastically reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives proper treatment and support,” she said.

Citing data from the Federal Ministry of Health, the First Lady revealed that over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults in Nigeria were living with HIV as of 2024. Alarmingly, many HIV-positive mothers remain unaware of their status, preventing early testing and treatment for their infants.

“It is heartbreaking that just two years ago, 15,000 children between the ages of 0-14 died from AIDS-related illnesses. These are not just statistics; they are lost futures,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu also stressed that HIV is no longer a death sentence, urging all Nigerians to get tested and access treatment early. She challenged young people to take the lead in driving awareness and prevention efforts in their communities.

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who hosted the campaign launch, praised the First Lady for her leadership, noting that her efforts were already creating a positive impact on public health and youth development.

Also speaking at the event, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved N200 billion for the procurement of test kits and medical supplies for HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. He highlighted the ongoing health threats posed by HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis, and emphasized the importance of early detection and consistent treatment.

Two HIV-positive women shared personal testimonies of living with the virus for 26 and 16 years respectively, attributing their survival to family support and adherence to medication. In a show of support, Governor Kefas immediately offered them employment in the state civil service.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to work with the First Lady, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and other partners to support Nigeria’s health initiatives.

Other stakeholders present included representatives from UNAIDS, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), all of whom pledged their continued support to the campaign.

The *Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign*, championed by OAFLAD, continues to rally key stakeholders across the country in the fight against new infections, particularly among women and youth.