By Joy Odor
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, marked by the launch of the ‘Free to Shine’ Campaign in the South-East region.
The Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, flagged off the campaign, highlighting the need to prevent new infections, especially mother-to-child transmission, and ensure treatment and care for those affected.
The campaign aimed to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis by 2030, and has already been launched across five geopolitical zones.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults were living with HIV in Nigeria in 2024.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of collective action, engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions, and expanded access to testing, counseling, and treatment.
She commended health workers, national agencies, and international partners for their support and urged First Ladies from other states to take ownership of the campaign.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, outlined Nigeria’s multi-faceted strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission, voluntary medical male circumcision, and expanded access to testing and treatment.
He noted that 1.7 million Nigerians are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and called on state governments to increase domestic funding and reduce reliance on donor support.
