The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating HIV, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis in Nigeria through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Free to Shine Campaign.
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The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunkle Salako, made this known at the North-West zone flag-off of the campaign in Kaduna, Nigeria.
Dr. Salako commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her recent election to the OAFLAD Steering Committee, describing it as a recognition of the country’s leadership in advancing health and development in Africa.
He also acknowledged the Spouses of Governors in the North-West, urging them to champion the campaign in their respective states.
“The Free to Shine Campaign is a continental initiative aimed at achieving the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis, particularly in mothers and children”.
The minister noted that Nigeria accounts for the highest number of mother-to-child HIV transmissions, stressing the need for intensified efforts to prevent new infections.
“According to UNAIDS 2023 data, 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually”. He said.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the campaign represents more than just an initiative; “it is a call to action for stakeholders to mobilize resources, strengthen advocacy, and implement sustainable health programs”.
To bolster national efforts, he revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently inaugurated a Technical Working Group to drive discussions and integrate strategies for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) programs.
He also reassured Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS that antiretroviral drugs, test kits, and essential care will remain available, aligning with the government’s goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Salako called on state governments to support the Federal Government’s self-sustainability agenda by allocating more resources to HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis programs, urging them to absorb health workers who have been affected by reduced donor funding in the sector.
To Nigerian women, he encouraged them to take charge of their health by visiting government health facilities for testing and life-saving care to protect themselves and their unborn children.
He reaffirmed that the campaign is a promise of dignity, health, and a brighter future for every citizen.
The minister also commended health workers for their resilience despite the challenges posed by high migration of healthcare professionals abroad.
He urged them to continue delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and called on communities to support people living with HIV, TB, and Syphilis without stigma or discrimination.
Dr. Salako urged all stakeholders to commit to a Nigeria where every citizen is free to shine, free from preventable diseases, free from inadequate healthcare, and free to pursue a healthier future.
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