Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing new HIV infections among women of reproductive age and preventing mother-to-child transmission. The campaign was unveiled during the flag-off of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development’s ‘Free to Shine’ initiative in the North-West zone in Kaduna on Tuesday.
In her address, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of the campaign, highlighting that Nigeria bears the heaviest HIV/AIDS burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. She affirmed that the initiative is focused on ensuring that every child born with HIV receives the treatment and support they need to thrive.
“Nigeria, with its large population, carries the greatest HIV/AIDS burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this burden disproportionately affects children, women, youth, and marginalized communities,” she stated.
The First Lady further explained that the objectives of the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign are to raise awareness, reinforce commitment, and encourage collective action to combat HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. She also stressed the importance of engaging with traditional and faith-based organizations to address the cultural and religious factors that influence HIV prevention behaviors.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed concern over the growing number of people living with HIV in Nigeria, both adults and children, citing statistics from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. “In 2024, over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults were living with HIV. Moreover, many infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested in the first two months of life, often due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the consequences,” she said.
The First Lady also called for the elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030. “I am dedicated to advocating for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030. This campaign will reach all six geopolitical zones of the country,” she added.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who attended the launch, commended Mrs. Tinubu for her exemplary leadership and commitment to the cause. He urged both state and federal governments to refine and strengthen policies related to HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.
“Your Excellency, you continue to make us proud with your dedication to noble causes. You advocate for the vulnerable, the underserved, and now you are using your expertise to support African women and children. As we design and implement interventions, we must ensure full involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by syphilis and hepatitis. We must also engage communities and intensify awareness campaigns on these critical health issues,” Governor Sani concluded.
