By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s ranking as the country with the highest HIV/AIDS burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. She blamed the country’s large population for the worrisome statistics.
Speaking at the launch of the Free to Shine and Triple Elimination Campaign in Asaba, Delta State, Mrs. Tinubu said the burden is severe among children, youth, women, and marginalized groups.
The Free to Shine campaign is an initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), and global partners. It seeks to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and other viral diseases in Africa.
Flagging off the campaign, the First Lady said it aims to raise awareness, renew commitments, and inspire collective action. She stressed that every child born with HIV must have access to treatment and support.
“To complement this, I am also advocating for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030,” she said.
Citing 2024 data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Tinubu disclosed that over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults are living with HIV in Nigeria.
She added that most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not tested within two months of birth. According to her, many mothers lack awareness or knowledge of the risks of inaction.
The First Lady also noted that Hepatitis and Syphilis remain serious public health concerns. She explained that Hepatitis B and C could cause chronic liver diseases and cancer, while untreated Syphilis could lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant deaths.
Mrs. Tinubu called for deeper engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious barriers to HIV prevention. She emphasized the need for expanded access to HIV testing, counselling, treatment, and care.
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