By Akanta Hannah
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says it is unacceptable to lose over 15,000 children in Nigeria within the ages of Zero to Fourteen years to HIV related ailment in the past two years.
Senator Oluremi disclosed this at the flag off of the Organisation of African First Ladies For Development, “Free To Shine” Campaign in the Northeast Zone hosted by Taraba state government.
Relaying on data released by Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in 2024, the first lady said there were over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV in the country.
Senator Oluremi also expressed concern that Nigeria has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population, adding that the burden is particularly acute among children, youth and women.
The First lady said the free to shine campaign was launched to compliment the efforts of the federal government in eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and hepatitis among children and women of reproductive age by 2030.
She also disclosed that the goal of the Free To Shine campaign was to raise awareness, renew commitment, and take collective action against these diseases.
Senator Tinubu stressed the importance of regular medical checkups and urged young people to live responsibly.
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, applauded the first lady for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that is focused on eradicating life-threatening diseases.
He assured her that every intervention by the federal government in the state would be used for the targeted population.
Also speaking, Wife of the Tarba state Governor, Agyin Kefas, said the visit of Senator Oluremi Tinubu underscores her commitment to national development.
In an address, Coordinating Minister of Health disclosed that President Bola Ahmed is deeply concerned about the country’s health burdens and has approved 200 billion naira to purchase test kits and essential drugs so that the 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV and AIDs can be treated.
