The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu says the increasing rate of new HIV infections in the country is worrisome and calls for concerted efforts especially on the part of key players in the society.
Mrs Tinubu stated this in Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State, where she flagged off the Free-To-Shine campaign in the North West Geo political Zone of Nigeria.
The campaign is an advocacy initiative of the African Union, the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and other global partners.
The First Lady called for intensified efforts to ensure that the global Triple Elimination target of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis is achieved by 2030.
She pointed out that the growing complacency in the response to the spread of these diseases in Africa is worrisome.
“The Free to Shine Campaign is an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and global partners to address the growing complacency in the response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, because Nigeria having the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to the size of our population.
“The burden is particularly high among children, youth, women and marginalized groups.
“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, (Vertical Transmission), and to guarantee that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive,” she said.
The First Lady said that in view of this, there is an urgent need to raise awareness, renew commitment and take collective action against these diseases which aligns with the shared vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual particularly women, youth and children can thrive and live healthier lives.
“It is also heartbreaking to learn that just two (2) years ago, fifteen thousand children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses.
“Each of these children represented not just a statistic, but a future full of potential, that was sadly cut short. The ongoing challenges faced by these children highlight the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, diagnosis, and access to treatment,” she added.
“In Nigeria, Hepatitis and Syphilis are public health diseases of concern. As noted by experts, Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, continues to pose a significant threat, as it can lead to chronic liver diseases, and even cancer of the liver.
“Syphilis, if left untreated, leads to miscarriages, still births, congenital anomalies, neonatal and infantile deaths amongst others,” the First Lady stated.
She commended all health workers and various agencies involved in combating the three diseases especially HIV/AIDS.
Mrs Tinubu called on faith-based institutions, traditional institutions, institutions of learning and family units to deepen advocacy on the prevention on HIV behaviours, especially those engaging in birthing services, by expanding access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counselling, treatment and care for all individuals who test positive.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, thanked the First Lady for leading the campaign from the front noting that Nigeria can achieve the goal of the Triple Elimination by 2030 since the nation did so with Polio and also ramped up testing and treatment of Tuberculosis which has led to a drastic reduction in the spread and mortality rate.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako noted that the Ministry will not relent in ensuring that Nigeria exits the list of countries with high statistics of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
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