SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria, Busola Kukoyi, in a statement, announced that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has kicked off the Free-To-Shine campaign in Nigeria, aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. The campaign, an initiative of the African Union, Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and global partners, seeks to address the growing complacency in responding to the spread of these diseases in Africa.

Kukoyi stated that the First Lady decried the increasing rate of new HIV infections in Nigeria, attributing it to high mother-to-child transmission rates. Oluremi Tinubu emphasized the need to intensify efforts to achieve the global Triple Elimination target of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030.

“The Free to Shine Campaign aims to significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and guarantee that every child born with HIV receives necessary treatment and support to thrive,” Oluremi Tinubu said.

The First Lady expressed concern over the growing complacency in responding to the spread of these diseases in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, which has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. She called for collective action against these diseases, aligning with the shared vision of a healthier Nigeria.

Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, thanked the First Lady for leading the campaign, noting that Nigeria can achieve the goal of Triple Elimination by 2030, citing the country’s success in combating Polio and Tuberculosis.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Alli Pate, assured that the Ministry will ensure Nigeria exits the list of countries with high statistics of HIV/AIDS and other diseases. WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, reiterated the organization’s commitment to working with OAFLAD, the First Lady, and Nigeria to improve maternal and child healthcare outcomes.