First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger community engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, and youth groups to play active roles in sensitising the public, especially adolescents and women of reproductive age.
Speaking at the North-East flag-off of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, the First Lady stressed that ending HIV in Nigeria requires grassroots mobilisation and cultural influencers who can drive behavioural change.
“Despite progress, Nigeria still struggles with high numbers of undiagnosed cases and mother-to-child transmissions,” Mrs Tinubu said, citing that in 2024 alone, over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults are living with HIV.
She lamented that 15,000 children aged 0–14 died from AIDS-related illnesses in recent years, describing them as “futures lost.”
Early Testing Is Key
Mrs Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to embrace early testing and treatment, emphasizing that HIV is no longer a death sentence but a manageable condition when caught early.
“Everyone must get tested, know their status, and access care. It’s the only way forward,” she said.
Triple Focus: HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis
The Free to Shine Campaign aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal to end AIDS by 2030 and also aims to eliminate syphilis and hepatitis, especially among vulnerable populations.
Government and Development Partners Pledge Support
Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas praised the First Lady’s commitment and immediately offered jobs to two HIV-positive widows who shared their testimonies at the event.
Also present, Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced that President Tinubu had approved ₦200 billion for interventions targeting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, including the procurement of testing kits.
“We must take ownership of our health,” Pate said, noting that these diseases still challenge Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Global and Local Support
Representatives from UNAIDS, WHO, NACA, and other development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s campaign.
The Free to Shine initiative is part of a pan-African advocacy drive by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), aimed at protecting women, children, and youth from new infections and advancing public health across the continent.
