CurrentReport Blog The wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the “Free to Shine” campaign in Kaduna on Tuesday, an initiative aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. The event was flagged off with the full support of Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, who expressed his honor in serving as the chief host.
The Free to Shine campaign is a crucial initiative by the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLAD). It seeks to mobilize support for the elimination of these deadly diseases that disproportionately affect women and children across the African continent. The campaign is especially timely, given the significant global challenges related to public health emergencies, particularly the recent withdrawal of support for HIV/AIDS campaigns by donor agencies.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Governor Uba Sani highlighted the importance of the campaign, emphasizing that the world is currently experiencing significant anxiety due to the reduction in funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. He lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her exemplary leadership, noting her ongoing commitment to advocating for the vulnerable, underserved communities, and particularly African women and children.
Governor Sani noted that HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis continue to ravage populations globally, making it essential to address these diseases with urgency. He further explained that the campaign is designed to not only raise awareness but also to fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of donor agency support.
During the launch, Governor Uba Sani shared his thoughts on how to expand the scope and depth of the campaign. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between federal and state governments, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and private-sector entities. He also underscored the need to involve people living with HIV/AIDS, those affected by syphilis and hepatitis, and communities at large in the formulation and implementation of interventions.
Multi-sectoral partnerships were highlighted as a crucial strategy to tackle the health, social, and behavioral determinants of these diseases. In particular, Governor Sani stressed the importance of community engagement through extensive awareness campaigns to sensitize the public about the risks associated with HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. He called for more targeted efforts to reach high-risk populations and ensure that people living with these diseases receive the care and support they need.
Governor Sani also expressed strong support for the ongoing partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLAD). He commended the efforts of Africa’s First Ladies, who he said have demonstrated responsive and responsible leadership in addressing health challenges on the continent. He believes that the work of the First Ladies, particularly through initiatives like the Free to Shine campaign, will leave a lasting impact on those affected by these deadly diseases, offering hope and tangible solutions.
As the campaign progresses, both national and state governments are committed to refining and strengthening their policies on HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, with the hope of significantly reducing the burden of these diseases on African women and children. The launch of the Free to Shine campaign marks a critical step toward achieving the elimination of these infections and improving public health outcomes for generations to come.
