*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, emphasises the Free to Shine campaign is aimed at reducing new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission across the six geopolitical zones of the country

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Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has emphasised the Free to Shine campaign is aimed at reducing new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission in the country.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated this Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the flag off of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Free to Shine Campaign, in the North West zone, in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The First Lady also said that the campaign was designed to 鈥樷�渆nsure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.

鈥淭o complement the Free to Shine Campaign, I have also decided to advocate the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030.

According to her, the healthcare campaign will cover the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Why Nigeria has highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The First Lady equally lamented that Nigeria is the country with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population.

Oluremi Tinubu stated: 鈥樷�橳his burden is particularly severe among children, youth, women, and marginalised groups.

鈥樷�橝ccording to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in 2024, there were over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV.”

Reeling off more statistics, the First Lady said: “Also, 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 they are ignorant of the consequences of their inaction.”

2 Major public health concerns in Nigeria, by First Lady

The First Lady disclosed that Hepatitis and Syphilis are major public health concerns in Nigeria.

She noted: “Experts highlight that Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B and C, poses a significant threat as it can lead to chronic liver diseases and even liver cancer.

鈥淚f Syphilis is left untreated, it can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, and neonatal and infant deaths, among other complications.”

Senator Tinubu restated the goal of the Free to Shine 鈥渃ampaign is to raise awareness, renew our commitment, and take collective action against these diseases.鈥�

The Nigerian First Lady averred: 鈥淲e must deepen engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours, especially those engaging in birthing services, by expanding access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counseling, treatment, and care for all individuals who test positive.鈥�

Governor to First Lady Tinubu: ‘We’re proud of your noble causes’

Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her inspirational leadership.

Sani said: 鈥樷�橸ou have continued to make us proud with the noble causes you are pursuing.鈥欌��

The Governor of Kaduna State also stressed the First Lady stands for the vulnerable, the poor, and the underserved.

He also noted that she is now deploying her 鈥樷�渟kills and competencies in the service of African women and children.鈥�

Sani urged both the Federal and State governments to refine and strengthen their policies on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Syphilis.

He further remarked: “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 HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis,鈥欌�� he advised.

The governor promised that the Kaduna State Government will continue to partner with the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLAD) to devise and implement strategies to eliminate HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.

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