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First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has decried the increasing rate of new HIV infections in the country which she noted is due among other reasons, to high mother to child transmission.
She called for intensifying of efforts to ensure that the global Triple Elimination target of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis is achieved by 2030.
Senator Tinubu stated this in Ilorin Kwara State where she flagged off the Free-to-shine campaign in Nigeria, an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and other global partners.
According to the First Lady, 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,” Senator Tinubu said.
The First Lady said she was kicking off the campaign 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 years ago, 15,000 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.
“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 said.
While commending all health workers and various agencies involved in combating the three diseases especially HIV/AIDS, Senator Tinubu called on faith-based institutions, traditional institutions, institutions of learning and family units to deepen advocacy on the prevention on HIV behaviors, 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.
In his remarks at the event, Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq 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.
“ We have a president who is very committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians,” the Governor said.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Alli Pate noted that his Ministry will not relent in ensuring that Nigeria exits the list of countries with high statistics of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo pointed out that with this renewed campaign, maternal and child healthcare outcomes will greatly improve.
He said the WHO Is ready to work with OAFLAD, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Nigeria and is commited against all odds the Organisation is presently facing.
Other Development Partners present including UNICEF, NACA and NASCP also reiterated their commitment to the campaign.
The Free-to-shine Campaign, Triple Elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis is expected to be championed in all States of the Federation through by the Wives of Governors.