Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the “Free to Shine” Triple Elimination Campaign against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of productive age in the South East. The campaign, held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV/AIDS.

The First Lady highlighted the heartbreaking statistic that 15,000 children under 14 died from HIV-related illnesses just two years ago, emphasizing the need for sustained action to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

“The joy of this campaign is to raise awareness, renew commitment, and take collective action against these diseases,” Senator Tinubu said, noting that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing health as crucial to national development.

Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah pledged to align the state’s healthcare priorities with the campaign’s vision, aiming to complete and equip 260 primary healthcare centers by September 2025. “Health is not just a sector, but a foundation upon which progress is built,” Dr. Mbah stated. “We have aligned our healthcare priorities with the vision of the Free to Shine Campaign.”

The Governor described the initiative as a beacon of hope, while the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, commended Senator Tinubu for championing this initiative, expressing delight that Enugu benefited significantly. With the campaign’s launch, Nigeria takes a significant step towards a healthier future.