By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in the South-South region, a bold initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. The launch event, held in Port Harcourt, drew health officials, community leaders, and women’s groups, signaling a unified push to address a health crisis that disproportionately affects women and children.
Oluremi Tinubu highlighted alarming statistics during her keynote address, noting that young women aged 20–24 are three times more likely to live with HIV than men in the same age group. “This is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of equity and survival for our women and future generations,” she said. She pointed to systemic challenges, including limited access to education, testing, and treatment, as key drivers of the disparity. The First Lady also cited data showing that mother-to-child transmission remains a significant concern, with syphilis and hepatitis adding to the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The “Free to Shine” campaign, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, seeks to eliminate these diseases through a multi-pronged approach. It includes free screening programs, distribution of antiviral medications, and community-based education drives targeting rural and underserved areas. Mobile health units will be deployed across the six states of the South-South region—Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta—to reach at-risk populations. Tinubu announced that over 50,000 women and children are expected to benefit from the initial phase, with plans to scale up nationwide by 2026.
Health Minister Dr. Ali Pate, who attended the launch, praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Eliminating these diseases will reduce maternal mortality and improve child health outcomes,” he said, noting that the campaign aligns with the government’s renewed focus on primary healthcare. Local health workers, including nurses and midwives, will be trained to administer tests and counsel patients, ensuring sustainability beyond the campaign’s rollout.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, though challenges remain. Patience Okon, a women’s advocate from Akwa Ibom, welcomed the focus on young women but urged the government to address stigma, which often prevents people from seeking help. “Many fear being judged or ostracized,” she said. “Awareness must go hand-in-hand with acceptance.”
Tinubu closed the event with a call to action, urging families, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to support the campaign. “Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria where our women and children are free to shine,” she declared, citing the initiative’s slogan. The First Lady is expected to tour other regions in the coming months to expand the program’s reach, with updates to be provided as implementation programs.
