First Lady Urges Youth to Know HIV Status, Fight Stigma

Abuja, Nigeria | 1 December 2025

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged young people across the country to take charge of their health by knowing their HIV status, seeking early treatment when necessary, and becoming active voices against stigma and discrimination.

In her official message commemorating World AIDS Day 2025, themed “Overcoming Disruptions; Transforming the AIDS Response,” Mrs. Tinubu called for a renewed nationwide commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.

According to the First Lady, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care over the years. She noted, however, that much more work is required to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation.
“Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care over the years,” she said. “However, we must revitalise our collective efforts to achieve an AIDS-free nation where every Nigerian has unhindered access to life-saving services, free from stigma and discrimination.”

Mrs. Tinubu emphasised that knowing one’s HIV status is the vital first step toward breaking the chain of transmission and enabling timely medical intervention. She encouraged young people to embrace routine testing, seek accurate information, and reject harmful stereotypes that fuel stigma.

World AIDS Day, observed every 1 December, serves as a global reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. It is a day to raise awareness, honour the memories of those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and strengthen the collective resolve to end the epidemic.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the day, the First Lady reiterated the importance of unity, compassion, and evidence-based action in transforming the nation’s AIDS response and securing a healthier future for all.