Oluremi Tinubu urges Nigerians to unite in fight against HIV/AIDS, other preventable diseases

FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU SAYS NIGERIANS MUST UNITE TO FIGHT PREVALENCE OF HIV/AIDS, OTHER PREVENTABLE DISEASES
Says it is important for the preservationis of the future generation

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu says the future generation of Nigerians need to be shielded and guided appropriately against preventable and treatable diseases.

She was speaking at the final flag-off of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination campaign of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis among women of reproductive age and the elimination of mother to child transmission.

The event which is the last in the series for the 6 geopolitical zones was held in Enugu.

“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”.

“It is heartbreaking to know that just two years ago, fifteen thousand 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 emphasize the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, enhance diagnosis, and expand access to treatment”.

The First Lady speaking specifically to the youth and students who turned out in their numbers at the event urged them to shun practices that could heighten their vulnerability to these diseases adding that they should not shy away from getting tested as often as possible.
“HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. You can access treatment easily. Please let us shun stigmatizing those that have the disease”.

“To our dear children and youth, this campaign cannot succeed without your involvement. You represent our future generation; however, your age group is one of the most vulnerable. Please take care and protect yourselves”.

In his remarks at the event, the Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Mbah pointed out that the Free to Shine Campaign is a bold and urgent push, which is not just a medical goal but a moral one.

“We will lend our full support to Her Excellency on this campaign”.

“This initiative is what inclusion looks like, this is what progress looks like”.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako noted that with the launch of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, there has been an increase in the number of people who turn up for testing and treatment for these diseases.

He said the advocacy being championed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a pointer to the commitment and dedication of not only the First Lady but the Federal Government as a whole to the health and well-being of Nigerians.

There were also testimonials from people living with HIV/AIDS and how they pulled through with the love and support from their families. They also spoke about the dangers of stigmatization which they described as the real killer and not the disease.

To complement the Free to Shine Campaign which is a campaign by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD, the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu decided to advocate for the Triple Elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030.

Since the maiden launch of the campaign in January 2025, five geopolitical zones were covered namely, North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-South and the South-West Zone and the sixth and final geopolitical zone, which is the South-East zone has been done to complete the Free to Shine campaign.