First Lady leads campaign against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis in northern Nigeria

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed concern over the rising rates of HIV/AIDS infections in the country, calling for collective action to combat the spread of the disease, along with syphilis and hepatitis.

Speaking at the launch of the Free-To-Shine campaign in Kaduna State, targeting Nigeria’s North West geopolitical zone, Senator Tinubu emphasized the urgency of addressing these public health threats.

The initiative, supported by the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and global partners, aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030.

“Nigeria bears the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to our population size,” the First Lady stated. “The burden falls heavily on children, women, youth, and marginalized groups. We cannot afford to be complacent—every life lost is a future cut short.”

Highlighting a concerning statistic, she revealed that 15,000 children under the age of 14 died from AIDS-related illnesses just two years ago. She stressed the need for increased awareness, improved access to treatment, and collective action from all sectors, including faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and families.

The campaign also addresses hepatitis and syphilis, both of which remain significant public health concerns in Nigeria. Hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease and cancer, while untreated syphilis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant mortality.

Senator Tinubu commended healthcare workers and agencies for their ongoing efforts and called for broader collaboration to expand access to testing, counseling, and treatment. “We must deepen advocacy efforts and ensure that no one is left behind in this fight,” she said.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, praised the First Lady for her leadership, expressing optimism that Nigeria can meet the 2030 target, citing past successes like the eradication of polio and advancements in tuberculosis treatment.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s high rates of HIV/AIDS and related diseases.

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) reiterated their support for the campaign. WHO’s country representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, expressed the organization’s readiness to collaborate closely with Nigerian authorities and international partners.

Personal testimonies from individuals living with HIV were shared at the event, serving as a powerful reminder of the need to combat stigma and promote the message that HIV is no longer a death sentence with proper treatment and support.

The Free-To-Shine campaign will be extended across all states in Nigeria, with the wives of state governors expected to champion the initiative at the state level.