Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in the North East Geopolitical zone to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly among youth and adolescents. The campaign aims to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure every child born with HIV receives necessary treatment.

The country must seize this moment and seek to join other countries in Africa who have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030. According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults live with HIV in Nigeria. Most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested within the first two months of birth, largely due to the mothers’ lack of awareness or ignorance of the consequences of their inaction.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the urgent need for collective action against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the devastating impact of the disease on children. She noted that 15,000 children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses just two years ago, stressing that each of these children represented a future full of potential that was cut short.

She stated that the campaign aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes health as a key pillar of national development.

Senator Tinubu passionately appealed to everyone to get tested, know their status, and access treatment, emphasizing that HIV is not a death sentence. She also urged the youth to take a leading role in the campaign to ensure a healthier and better future for themselves.

According to the First Lady, the ongoing challenges faced by children living with HIV highlight the need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, diagnosis, and access to treatment. This vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual, particularly women, youth, and children, can thrive, is at the core of the campaign.

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, thanked the First Lady for her leadership and offered immediate employment to two HIV survivors who shared their experiences. The Governor noted that the leadership demonstrated by the First Lady will enhance youth productivity.

The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced President Tinubu’s approval of N200 billion for testing kits and resources for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He emphasized that HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis continue to pose significant healthcare challenges in Nigeria, appealing to everyone to know their status as early detection remains critical in managing these diseases.

The World Health Organization and development partners, including UNAIDS, NACA, and NASCP, have reiterated their commitment to the campaign. The Free to Shine campaign is part of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development’s efforts to reduce new HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis infections among young women and youth.