Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has expressed her disapproval of the rising number of new HIV infections in the nation, citing high rates of mother-to-child transmission as one of the main causes.
According to reports, Mrs. Tinubu urged stepping up efforts to guarantee that the triple elimination goal of hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS is met globally by 2030.
The African Union, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and other international partners launched the Free-To-Shine campaign in Nigeria on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State, where Senator Tinubu made this statement.
The First Lady also urged action against the concerning lack of urgency in the reaction to the development of these diseases in Africa in a statement issued by her Media Aide, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi.
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Since Nigeria has the highest HIV/AIDS burden in Sub-Saharan Africa due to our size, the Free to Shine Campaign is an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and international partners to address the growing complacency in the response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Children, young people, women, and underprivileged groups bear a disproportionately heavy cost.
“The Free to Shine campaign aims to prevent vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child, significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the treatment and support they need to thrive,” she stated.
Initiative to Establish a Healthier Nigeria
The campaign’s goals, according to Mrs. Tinubu, were to increase awareness, reaffirm commitment, and take coordinated action against these illnesses in line with the common goal of a healthier Nigeria where everyone, especially women, youth, and children, can prosper and lead better lives.
The fact that 15,000 children between the ages of 0 and 14 died of AIDS-related diseases just two (2) years ago is especially devastating. Each of these kids was more than simply a statistic; they were all part of a bright future that was tragically cut short. The persistent difficulties young kids encounter underscore the pressing need for consistent efforts to enhance diagnosis, preventative tactics, and treatment accessibility.
Hepatitis and syphilis are public health illnesses of concern in Nigeria. Experts have pointed out that hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, remains a serious risk because it can cause chronic liver disorders and even liver cancer. “Untreated syphilis causes a number of complications, including stillbirths, miscarriages, congenital defects, and neonatal and infantile deaths,” she said.
She called on faith-based institutions, traditional institutions, educational institutions, and family units to increase their advocacy for HIV prevention behaviors, particularly those involved in birthing services, by increasing access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counseling, treatment, and care for all individuals who test positive. She also praised all health workers and various agencies involved in fighting the three diseases, especially HIV/AIDS.
WHO’s Mulombo, Governor Abdulrazaq, and Ali Pate Demand Commitment from Stakeholders
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq praised the First Lady for spearheading the initiative and stated that Nigeria can accomplish the Triple Elimination objective by 2030 in his remarks at the ceremony.
He said that the progress made in combating polio and bettering the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, which has resulted in a sharp decline in the disease’s mortality rate and spread, might be repeated in the fight against hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.
“Our president has a strong commitment to enhancing the health and welfare of Nigerians,” he stated.
Mohammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, promised that his ministry will not compromise in its efforts to remove Nigeria from the list of nations with high rates of HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.
Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that the relaunched program would significantly enhance the health of mothers and children.
He declared that the WHO was prepared to collaborate with Nigeria and the First Lady in order to eradicate the diseases.
