From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the ‘Free To Shine’ Triple Elimination campaign in the South-West, making it the fifth geopolitical zone to join the nationwide initiative against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.
The campaign was flagged off in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, with a call for young people to get tested regularly and for greater engagement with all stakeholders to end stigma against those living with these diseases.
According to her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady stressed the urgent need to combat rising new infections, particularly among youth and women of reproductive age, and highlighted the importance of eliminating mother-to-child transmission. She commended survivors for sharing their stories, which she described as “powerful reminders of resilience and hope,” and urged others to seek treatment and support without fear.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude to health workers, government agencies, and global partners such as WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, and PEPFAR for their ongoing efforts. She stressed that achieving the global target of eliminating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030 depends on the active involvement of young people, who are among the most vulnerable to new infections.
Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged to review the state’s healthcare budget to address funding challenges.