Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has issued a compelling call to action for increased awareness and engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly among the nation’s youth and adolescents. Her remarks come as part of a broader vision for a healthier Nigeria, where women, youth, and children can flourish.
Speaking in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during the launch of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign in the North-east geopolitical zone, she expressed her distress over the statistic that 15,000 children aged 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses just two years ago. "Each of these children represented a future full of potential that was sadly cut short," she said. This stark reality underscores the pressing need for ongoing commitment to enhance prevention strategies, diagnostics, and accessibility to treatment.
Senator Tinubu emphasized that the campaign is aligned with a national agenda focused on health, resonating with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which sees health as a critical element of national growth. She encouraged young people to take the initiative in this heightened awareness campaign, advocating for a proactive stance in securing their health and futures.
She noted, "It is crucial for Nigeria to join other African nations in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030." The Free to Shine campaign aims to drastically reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that children born with HIV receive the essential treatment and support they need.
As reported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in 2024, over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults are living with HIV in Nigeria. Alarmingly, many infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested in their first two months of life, often due to a lack of awareness among mothers about the consequences of delayed action.
Governor Agbo Kefas of Taraba State praised Mrs. Tinubu for her leadership in the campaign, noting that her efforts are already yielding positive outcomes that will enhance youth productivity.
During the event, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced that President Tinubu has allocated N200 billion for the procurement of testing kits and other critical resources for combating HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. He reiterated the importance of knowing one’s health status, highlighting that early detection is vital in managing these diseases. He expressed optimism that initiatives like the Free to Shine campaign are essential in revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.
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