The Free-to-Shine Triple Elimination Campaign has kicked off in the South-south geopolitical zone, in Nigeria.
The Campaign which was launched by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is meant to expand the frontiers of current efforts by the First Lady to build a coalition against HIV/AIDs in the country.
While flagging off the campaign for the South-south zone, Senator Tinubu pointed out that the country must seize the moment and seek to join other countries in Africa who have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030.
“The Free-to-Shine campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission), and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.”
“According 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. 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,” the First Lady said.
She stated further that in view of this, there is an urgent need to raise awareness, renew commitment and take collective action against these diseases which aligns with the shared vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual particularly women, youth and children can thrive and live healthier lives.
“It is also heartbreaking to learn that just two years ago, 15,000 children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Each of these children represented not just a statistic, but a future full of potential, that was sadly cut short. The ongoing challenges faced by these children highlight the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, diagnosis, and access to treatment,” she said.
The First Lady noted that by raising awareness and renewing commitments to take action, the campaign aligns with the shared vision of a healthier Nigeria where every individual, particularly women, youth, and children, can thrive.
This vision is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes health as a key pillar of national development.
She passionately appealed that everyone should get tested, know their status and access treatment emphasizing that just like some other ailments, HIV is not a death sentence.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, debunked rumors that there is a scarcity of Anti-retroviral drugs in the country.
He emphasized that HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis continue to pose significant healthcare challenges in Nigeria.
Dr Salako said these diseases contribute to maternal and child mortality, undermine socio-economic development, and place a burden on families and communities. He stated that interventions such as the Free to Shine campaign are crucial in revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system and securing a healthier future for the country.
On the requests for subsidized or free Liver and Kidney function tests for HIV patients, by survivors who came to share their stories at the event, the Minister of State assured that this would be immediately looked into immediately.
Speaking about their journey of living with HIV for 26 and 16 years, the two survivors harped on support from family, loved ones and staying on the prescribed medication as the key to their survival.
They advised the youth especially to shun practices that could expose them to these diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo in his remarks said the WHO Is ready to work with OAFLAD, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Nigeria and is committed to this cause.
Other development partners present including UNICEF, NACA and NASCP reiterated their commitment to the campaign.
As one of the advocacy issues of the Organization of African First Ladies for development (OAFLAD), the Free-to-shine Triple Elimination campaign is making its round across Nigeria to ramp up resources and commitment of critical stakeholders in order to scale down cases of new HIV/ AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis infections among young women and the youths.
With this flag off in the South-South , and North Central with North West also already done, there are three more geopolitical zones to go and the North East is next.
