Kaduna: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, inaugurated the Free to Shine Campaign in Kaduna, an initiative by the Organisation of African First Ladies (OFLAD) targeting the elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis infections.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the campaign is an advocacy effort led by the African Union (AU), OAFLAD, and global partners focusing on women of reproductive age. It aims to protect children and women across Nigeria. The campaign addresses the growing complacency in responding to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. The First Lady highlighted that Nigeria bears the highest HIV burden in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among youth, women, and children, attributing this partly to population growth.
To enhance the Free to Shine Campaign, Sen. Tinubu announced her advocacy for the Triple Elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis by 2030. The campaign will cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The initial campaign for the North-Central Zone took place in Kwara State, and the current launch in Kaduna State marks the North-West Zone’s turn. The South-South Zone is set to benefit next. The campaign aims to reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and ensure children born with HIV receive necessary treatment and support.
During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu distributed professional medical kits to midwives in the North West Zone and donated 50 million naira to support petty traders in the area. Accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, she was warmly received at the Kaduna Air Force Base by Gov. Uba Sani, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
Gov. Sani expressed the state government’s commitment to supporting Mrs. Tinubu’s efforts to uplift Nigerian women by achieving the campaign’s goals in Kaduna. He promised that the state’s Ministry of Health would focus on sensitization programs and treatment for infection victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
