Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off ‘Free To Shine’ Triple Elimination Campaign in South-West

Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off ‘Free To Shine’ Triple Elimination Campaign in South-West

Urges Youth to Take Responsibility for Their Health

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday flagged off the Free To Shine Triple Elimination Campaign in Akure, Ondo State, marking the South-West region as the fifth geopolitical zone to join the national initiative aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030.

The campaign, which targets the reduction of mother-to-child transmission and wider community spread of the three diseases, is part of a global movement championed by both national and international partners.

Speaking at the launch, Senator Tinubu emphasized the need to fight the stigma surrounding people living with HIV/AIDS, while commending survivors who shared their stories of resilience and recovery.

“I want to commend the members of the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS for their powerful testimonies. Their stories are reminders of resilience and hope, and they inspire others to seek support and treatment with courage,” the First Lady said.

She also acknowledged the efforts of health workers, national agencies, and global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, PEPFAR, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in the ongoing battle against the diseases.

Addressing the nation’s youth, Senator Tinubu noted that they remain the most vulnerable group for new infections and urged them to take responsibility for their health.

“To our dear children and youth, this campaign cannot succeed without your involvement. You represent our future, but your age group remains highly vulnerable. Please protect yourselves and take advantage of the increased advocacy and testing services now available across the country,” she urged.

The First Lady also called for greater collaboration with traditional and religious institutions, especially those involved in birthing services, to ensure wider access to HIV testing, counseling, and care.

In his remarks, Ondo State Governor Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged to review the state’s healthcare budget to accommodate the realities of funding gaps, particularly in the wake of international funding cuts.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed that the federal government is already working on providing free or heavily subsidized liver and kidney function tests for people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those not currently covered under the national health insurance scheme.

A highlight of the launch event was a performance by Oluwatomilayo, whose traditional ewi poem underscored the importance of a positive lifestyle among the youth.

With the campaign now active in five out of six geopolitical zones, the South-East remains the only region yet to launch the initiative.