First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Launches Campaign to Eliminate HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis in Kaduna
The wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially flagged off the Free to Shine campaign in Kaduna, aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women and children in Nigeria. The initiative, spearheaded by the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLAD), seeks to address the growing health challenges posed by these diseases and fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of donor agency support for public health emergencies.
The event, held on Tuesday, was attended by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who served as the Chief Host. In a post on his official Facebook page, Governor Sani praised the First Lady for her leadership and commitment to tackling critical health issues affecting vulnerable populations. “It was a great pleasure and honour for me to serve as Chief Host as our dear First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, flagged off the Free to Shine campaign for the elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis in Kaduna,” he wrote.
A Timely Initiative Amid Global Health Challenges
Governor Sani described the campaign as timely, noting that it comes at a critical moment when global funding for HIV/AIDS programs is declining. “There has been significant anxiety worldwide over the withdrawal of support for HIV/AIDS campaigns. Any initiative aimed at filling the gaps left by the withdrawal of donor agency support is most welcome and commendable,” he stated.
The Free to Shine campaign aims to mobilize resources, raise awareness, and implement targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, particularly among women and children. These diseases continue to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria, with millions of people affected and limited access to treatment and prevention services.
First Lady’s Commitment to Vulnerable Populations
Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been widely praised for her dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities. Governor Sani commended her for using her platform to advocate for African women and children. “She stands for the vulnerable, the poor, and the underserved. She is now deploying her skills and expertise in the service of African women and children,” he said.
The First Lady’s campaign aligns with her broader efforts to promote health, education, and social welfare across Nigeria. By focusing on the elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, the Free to Shine initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians and reduce the burden of these diseases on the healthcare system.
Strategies for Success
During the event, Governor Sani outlined key strategies to ensure the success of the campaign. He emphasized the importance of refining and strengthening policies at both federal and state levels to address the epidemics effectively. “At both federal and state levels, we must continue to refine and strengthen our policies on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. In designing and implementing our interventions, we should ensure the full involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS and patients with syphilis and hepatitis,” he said.
He also stressed the need for community engagement and awareness campaigns to educate the public about prevention, testing, and treatment options. “We should engage communities and conduct intensive and extensive awareness and sensitization campaigns on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis,” he added.
Building Stronger Partnerships
Governor Sani called for stronger partnerships and multi-sectoral collaborations to address the root causes of these diseases. “We must build stronger partnerships and multi-sectoral collaborations to address the HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis epidemics through combined strategies that tackle the social, behavioral, and health determinants of these diseases,” he said.
The Free to Shine campaign represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to combat these deadly infections. By leveraging the support of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, the initiative aims to create a sustainable framework for disease prevention and treatment.
A Call to Action
The launch of the Free to Shine campaign in Kaduna marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. As the First Lady and other stakeholders work to implement the initiative, Nigerians are encouraged to support the campaign by participating in awareness programs, getting tested, and advocating for better access to healthcare services.
With the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the commitment of state governments like Kaduna, the Free to Shine campaign has the potential to transform the health landscape in Nigeria and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for all.
