FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the Free to Shine campaign is a strategy to reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age and prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Senator Tinubu made this known at the flag-off of the Organisation of African First Ladies For Development, OAFLAD, Free To Shine Campaign in the North West held in Kaduna, Tuesday.
The first lady also said the campaign is aimed at “ensuring that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.’’
According to her, “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.”
Tinubu lamented that Nigeria has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population, adding that “this burden is particularly severe among children, youths, women and marginalised groups.
“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 were not tested within the first two months of birth, largely due to the fact that the mothers were not aware or ignorant of the consequences of their inaction,’’ she revealed.
The first lady said in Nigeria, hepatitis and syphilis are major public health concerns. Experts note that Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B and C, pose a significant threat as it can lead to chronic liver diseases and even liver cancer.
“If syphilis is left untreated, it can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, neonatal and infant deaths, among other complications.”
She said the goal of the Free To Shine campaign is to raise awareness, renew commitment and take collective action against these diseases.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani commended the first lady for her inspirational leadership.
According to him, Senator Tinubu stands for the vulnerable, the poor and underserved.
The governor advised state and federal governments to refine and strengthen their policies on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and syphilis.
The governor promised that the Kaduna State government would continue to partner OAFLAD to devise and implement strategies to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis.
