The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, on March 26, 2025, concluded her two-day working visit to Delta State with the official flag-off of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Free-To-Shine campaign in the South-South Zone.
This triple elimination campaign targets HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis among women of reproductive age, with a strong focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring treatment for children born with HIV/AIDS. In her address, the First Lady commended healthcare workers and development partners for their efforts in combating these diseases. She called for collective action to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing Nigeria’s goal of achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030. Noting that 15,000 children (0-14 years) died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2022, she stressed the urgent need for prevention, diagnosis, and access to treatment. She reaffirmed that HIV is not a death sentence and urged everyone to get tested. She reiterated that the Free-To-Shine campaign aims to reduce HIV infections in women, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that children born with HIV receive proper treatment. In 2024, over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults were living with HIV in Nigeria, with many infants remaining untested due to lack of awareness, underscoring the urgency for immediate action.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, dismissed rumors about a shortage of HIV treatment drugs and highlighted how HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are putting pressure on Nigeria's healthcare system. He also promised to quickly review requests for free liver and kidney function tests for HIV patients. HIV survivors shared their experiences, saying they have lived healthy lives for 26 and 16 years thanks to family support and proper medication. World Health Organization Nigeria, UNICEF Nigeria, NACA, and NASCP also promised to continue supporting the fight against these diseases. The OAFLAD Free-To-Shine campaign is still moving across Nigeria, with only three regions left. The North East is the next stop.
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H.E. Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, FIMC, CMC First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Women's Initiative, and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.
