The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased protection and guidance for future generations against preventable and treatable diseases.
She made the appeal in Enugu during the final flag-off of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, which targets the elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age and aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
The Enugu event marked the conclusion of a nationwide campaign which has covered all six geopolitical zones. Addressing a crowd that included a large turnout of students and youth, the First Lady stressed the urgency of reducing new infections, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“The Free to Shine campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive,” she said.
She described the loss of 15,000 children aged 0–14 to AIDS-related illnesses just two years ago as heartbreaking, highlighting the need for continued investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Addressing the youth directly, Mrs Tinubu urged them to shun risky behaviours and prioritise regular testing. She also appealed for an end to the stigma surrounding those living with HIV/AIDS.
“HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. You can access treatment easily. Please let us shun stigmatising 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,” she advised.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, commended the initiative, describing it as both a moral and medical imperative.
“This initiative is what inclusion looks like, this is what progress looks like,” he stated, pledging the state’s full support.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, highlighted the campaign’s positive impact on increasing the number of people seeking testing and treatment.
The advocacy being championed by Mrs Tinubu is a testament to the Nigerian Government’s commitment to the health and well-being of its citizens,” he said.
Voices of Survival and Advocacy
The event featured moving testimonials from individuals living with HIV/AIDS, who shared how they overcame the challenges of the disease with support from loved ones. They highlighted the danger of stigmatisation, which they described as more harmful than the disease itself.
The Free to Shine campaign, initiated by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), aims to achieve the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis by 2030. Since its launch in January 2025, the campaign has reached the North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-South, South-West, and now concludes with the South-East.
