Kaduna, Nigeria – February 25, 2025
In a significant step toward addressing public health challenges in Africa, the Free to Shine Campaign, an initiative aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis among women and children, was officially launched in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Organization of African First Ladies (OAFLAD), was flagged off by Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
The event, held on February 25, 2025, was hosted by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who served as the Chief Host. In his address, Governor Sani emphasized the timeliness and importance of the campaign, particularly in light of global reductions in funding for public health emergencies, including HIV/AIDS initiatives. He praised the First Lady for her leadership and commitment to addressing the plight of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by these diseases.
“HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis are deadly infections ravaging our people. Decisively tackling them is an urgent imperative,” Governor Sani stated. He highlighted the need for stronger policies, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaborations to combat these epidemics effectively. “We must involve people living with these conditions, engage communities, and carry out intensive awareness campaigns to ensure successful outcomes,” he added.
The Free to Shine Campaign seeks to mobilize support and resources to fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of donor funding for HIV/AIDS programs. It also aims to address the social, behavioral, and health determinants of these diseases through partnerships with government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her remarks, reiterated her commitment to championing the cause of African women and children. She emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling these public health challenges and called on stakeholders to support the campaign’s goals. “Our First Ladies are demonstrating responsive and responsible leadership. History will bear witness that when Africa was at a crossroads, they stepped forward to fill a major gap,” Governor Sani said in his tribute to the First Lady and OAFLAD.
The Kaduna State Government has pledged its continued partnership with OAFLAD to implement strategies aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. The launch of the Free to Shine Campaign marks a renewed effort to combat these diseases and offers hope to millions of sufferers across the continent.
As the campaign gains momentum, stakeholders are optimistic that it will lead to significant progress in reducing the prevalence of these diseases and improving the quality of life for affected individuals and communities.
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