…Calls For Robust Advocacy, access To HIV Testing, Treatment
By Anne Azuka
Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday flagged-off the campaign for elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis in Asaba, Delta State capital.
She called for a robust advocacy that would expand access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counseling, treatment and care for all individuals who test positive.
Speaking the flag-off ceremony in Asaba, Senator Tinubu explained that the launch of the Free to Shine Campaign, was an advocacy initiative led by the African Union, the Organization of the African First Ladies for Development and Global Partners.
She harped on the need to deepen engagement with traditional faith-based institutions with a view to addressing cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours, especially those engaging in virtual services.
The first lady of the country disclosed that advocacy was the key for the nation to avoid and live free of all the transmissible diseases, stressing that the goal of the campaign was to address the growing complacency in the response to the spread of HIV/AIDs in Africa.
According to her, Nigeria being the country with the highest burden of HIV/AIDs in sub-saharan Africa due to its large population, faces significant challenges, adding that the burden was particularly severe among children, youth, women and marginalized groups.
“To complement the Free to Shine Campaign, I have also decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis by 2030.
“The campaign will cover six geopolitical zones of the nation. We launched the maiden campaign for the North Central Zone in Kwara on 30th January 2025 and that of the North West Zone in Kaduna on 25th February 2025.
“Today, we are flagging off the campaign in Delta State for the South-South Zone. By the grace of God, the next zone to benefit will be the North East and Taraba State will be the host.
“The Free to Shine Campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV/AIDS infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to child transmission, vertical transmission and ensure that every child born with HIV/AIDS receives the necessary treatment for support to thrive,” she said.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, she said, in 2024, there were over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults living with HIV.
“Also, it is reported that most infants born to HIV-positive parents 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.
“It is heartbreaking to know that just two years ago, 15,000 children aged 0-14 lost their lives in AIDs related illnesses. Each of these children was not just statistics but represented the future full of potential but sadly cut short,” Senator Tinubu added.
The First Lady noted that the ongoing challenges faced by these children underscored the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, enhance diagnosis, and expand access to treatment.
She pointed out that in Nigeria, hepatitis and syphilis were major public health concerns, adding that experts highlighted that hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, poses a significant threat as it can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer.
“If syphilis is left untreated, it can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal abnormalities.
“The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness, renew our commitment, and take collective action against these diseases.
“This, I believe, aligns with our shared vision of a healthier Nigeria where every individual, particularly women, youth, and children, can thrive and live healthier lives.
“This vision is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which focuses on health as an extension pilar of development.
“Nigeria is at a pivotal stage in her fight against HIV/AIDs and it is poised to join other countries in Africa who have achieved the 95/95 target by 2030,” she stated.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) for the renewed drive to tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS among women of reproductive age; elimination of mother-to-child transmission, and treatment of children born with HIV/AIDS.
He said the campaign was a giant step forward towards addressing the gender-sensitive concerns of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual and reproductive health issues, as highlighted in the Beijing Declaration of 1995.
He noted that available data indicate that women aged between 15 to 49 years are twice more likely to be living with HIV than men.
Governor Oborevwori said his administration would continue to compliment the efforts of the First Ladies of Africa by ensuring that women are continuously empowered to make decisions for their economic and physical well-being.
In her welcome address, wife of Delta Governor and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwwori, said the flag-off of the Free to Shine intiative will help to advance the fight against mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and assured the first lady of her support in her desire to reverse the ugly trend in the health sector.
She congratulated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for being a vibrant member of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, urging her not to relent in her avowed commitment to stand for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, lauded Mrs Tinubu for renewing the health of Nigerians and helping to secure a healthier future for the country.
He said: “Yesterday we were here to witness your intervention for the South-South region of our country, just towards the development of the health of pregnant Nigerian women and our newborns.
“Today we are here again, under your direction, to amplify our voices and work towards the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis, three diseases that significantly contribute to morbidities, disability, premature death and hold our people down from achieving their full potentials”.
World Health Organisation ( WHO) Country Rep, Dr. Walter Gazali lauded Senator Tinubu for her support and commended Nigeria for making significant strides towards ending the epidemic in 2030.
