Enugu: Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday in Enugu launched a campaign to eliminate Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis, and Hepatitis in the South-East Zone of the country. The campaign, titled ‘Free to Shine’, focuses on the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis among women of reproductive age, eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and treating children born with HIV/AIDS.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu had distributed 10,000 medical kits to midwives and nurses in the South-East and provided food items to vulnerable groups in Enugu as part of her two-day working visit to the state. She was accompanied by notable figures, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, and other prominent state leaders.
The campaign was flagged off at the International Conference Centre in Enugu as part of the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aimed at eliminating these diseases by 2030. Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the significance of addressing the high burden of HIV infections in Nigeria, particularly among children, youths, women, and marginalized groups.
She highlighted the ongoing efforts since the campaign’s launch in January, covering five political zones before reaching the South-East. She expressed gratitude to Gov. Peter Mbah, his wife Nkechinyere, and the Enugu people for their hospitality.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ziag Salako, praised the First Lady’s contributions to the nation’s health, while Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State underscored the importance of health as a foundation for development and commended the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign as a beacon of leadership and commitment.
The visit concluded with Mrs. Tinubu being honored as ‘Ugosimba 1 of Enugu State’, meaning the Precious Eagle from another Land, by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
