The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has officially launched the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Free to Shine Campaign in the South-South region to prevent three retroviral diseases in the country and Africa at large.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the free-to-shine is an advocacy initiative led by the African Union (AU), for the OAFLAD and global partners aimed at addressing the growing complacency in response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Mrs Tinubu, during the campaign in Asaba on Wednesday, said that Nigeria is at a pivotal stage in her fight against HIV/AIDS and ready to join other African countries who have achieved the UNAIDS 95 target by 2030.
“Nigeria, being the country with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population, faces significant challenges. This burden is particularly severe among children, youths, 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.
“This Campaign will cover the six geopolitical zones of the nation. We launched the maiden campaign for the North-Central Zone in Kwara State on January 30 and that of the North-West Zone in Kaduna on February 25.
“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.
The report also stated 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 are ignorant of the consequences of their inaction.
Mrs Tinubu, who expressed sadness about the rate of retroviral diseases in the nation, especially among infants and children, also assured Nigerians that efforts are being put in place to end it by the year 2030.
She said that the vision is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Health of President Bola Tinubu, which focuses on health as an essential pillar of development.
“It is heartbreaking to know that just two years ago, 15,000 children aged 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses; each of these children was not just a statistic but represented a future full of potential that was sadly cut short.
“The ongoing challenges faced by these children emphasise the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, enhance diagnosis, and expand access to treatment.
“In Nigeria, Hepatitis and Syphilis are major public health concerns. 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.
“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, youths, and children, can thrive and live healthier lives.”
However, the World Health Organisation also vowed to support the Federal Government in ensuring that the menace is out of the country as proposed.
Earlier, the Delta Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his remarks, said that OAFLAD and the first lady deserve accolades for the initiative.
“This campaign will educate our people, and as a government, we shall complement the efforts of OAFLAD by ensuring that women are continuously empowered to make decisions for their economy and physical well-being.”
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, represented by his Minister of State counterpart, Dr Adekunle Salako, in his remarks, commended President Bola Tinubu and his wife for considering the well-being of all citizens.
“HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and other viral diseases continue to pose a significant health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to maternal and child mortality, undermining social development, and placing burdens on families and communities.
“Against this background, I am confident that with interventions such as this Free-to-shine program, Mrs. Tinubu is truly renewing the health of Nigerians and is happy to secure a healthier future for our country.
“Under our President, things are really getting better, yesterday, we were here to witness your intervention for our South-South region geared towards the betterment of the health of Nigeria pregnant women and unborn.
“Today, we are here again to work towards the elimination of three diseases and viral Hepatitis that contribute to disability and death and hold people down from achieving their potentiality.
“Your intervention to end tuberculosis in Nigeria to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in our country improves the nutritional factor of our people, upgrading the livelihood of all Nigerians has become a valuable component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.”
He further appreciated the First Lady for her dedication, saying, “Your relentless commitment to bringing together key stakeholders and earnest political commitment at the highest level to improve the health and productivity of Nigerians are phenomenal.”
