Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has raised alarm over the increasing rate of new HIV infections in the country, calling it a major public health crisis that demands urgent action. Speaking in Kaduna, she highlighted the need for a collective effort to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis—diseases that continue to pose a serious threat to public health in Nigeria and across Africa.
Mrs. Tinubu made these remarks while launching the Free-To-Shine campaign in Nigeria’s North West geopolitical zone. The initiative, spearheaded by the African Union (AU) and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in collaboration with global partners, aims to combat the complacency surrounding HIV/AIDS prevention and ensure that Nigeria meets the global Triple Elimination target by 2030.
The First Lady expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s burden as the country with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in Sub-Saharan Africa. She noted that vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized populations, bear the brunt of the epidemic.
“The Free to Shine campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
Her speech was highlighted by a tragic statistic—just two years ago, 15,000 children aged 0-14 died from AIDS-related illnesses in Nigeria. “Each of these children was more than just a statistic; they represented a future full of potential, cut short by a preventable disease,” she lamented.
Beyond HIV/AIDS, Mrs. Tinubu also highlighted the deadly impact of Hepatitis and Syphilis. She warned that untreated Hepatitis B and C could lead to chronic liver diseases and liver cancer, while Syphilis remains a hidden danger responsible for miscarriages, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, and neonatal deaths.
A Call to Action
To tackle this growing health crisis, the First Lady called on faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, schools, and families to strengthen advocacy efforts, particularly in improving access to HIV testing, counseling, and treatment. She emphasized the importance of integrating HIV prevention services into maternal and child healthcare to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, praised Mrs. Tinubu’s leadership in driving the campaign, expressing optimism that Nigeria can meet the Triple Elimination goal by 2030. He referenced the country’s past successes in eradicating Polio and reducing Tuberculosis cases as proof that decisive action can yield results.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to eliminating HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
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Hope for a Healthier Nigeria
With high-profile advocacy and renewed efforts from both the government and health organizations, there is hope that Nigeria can turn the tide against HIV/AIDS.
However, as Mrs. Tinubu pointed out, achieving this goal requires more than policies and initiatives—it demands collective responsibility from every sector of society.
The battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over, but with strengthened commitment and strategic action, Nigeria could soon be on the path to a future where no child, woman, or marginalized individual is left behind in the fight against these devastating diseases.
