…Aiyedatiwa Rallies Support for Triple Elimination Campaign

By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign as a timely and strategic move in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, especially among women of reproductive age in Nigeria.

Speaking during the official flag-off of the initiative at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Friday, the governor welcomed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who led the launch under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The ‘Free to Shine’ campaign is a triple elimination health intervention targeting the eradication of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age.

The programme also aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these diseases and provide treatment for children born with HIV/AIDS.

Aiyedatiwa said the programme reflects the compassionate ideals of the current administration and offers renewed hope for vulnerable populations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the triple elimination campaign, which also targets the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and treatment of children born with HIV/AIDS, comes at a critical time, particularly as many developing countries grapple with the withdrawal of foreign aid for HIV/AIDS.

Describing the First Lady as an unwavering champion for women, Aiyedatiwa said her Renewed Hope Initiative has become a platform for the empowerment and health improvement of women across Nigeria.

“By your actions, Your Excellency, you have demonstrated an unflinching commitment to emancipate and empower our women,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local governments in sustaining the impact of the campaign and ensuring no woman or child is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today, as we flag off the Triple Elimination Campaign, we do so with the hope that no woman will have to fear preventable diseases during pregnancy; hope that no child will inherit a burden that science has already conquered; and hope that through sustainable partnerships among all levels of government in Nigeria, we will build a healthier and stronger country,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the First Lady for choosing Ondo State to host the South-West flag-off and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to drive the message and goals of the campaign to the grassroots.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the First Lady said the campaign is part of her advocacy for a healthier Nigeria and a future where preventable diseases no longer claim lives, especially among women and children.

“This campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that Nigeria continues to bear the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population and other challenges.

“In 2024 alone, over 100,000 children and nearly 2 million adults were living with HIV. Just two years ago, 15,000 children under the age of 14 lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses.”

She described these losses as devastating, adding, “Each of these children was not just a statistic, but a future full of potential. This underscores the urgent need for sustained action to improve prevention strategies, enhance diagnosis, and expand access to quality treatment.”

On the broader health challenges, the First Lady emphasized the threat posed by hepatitis and syphilis. “These diseases, if left unchecked, can lead to stillbirths, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal deaths. Raising awareness and taking collective action is not just necessary, it is urgent,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu explained that the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sees health as a critical pillar of national development.

“This initiative reflects our shared vision of a Nigeria where no child is born with HIV, and where every citizen has the chance to live a full, healthy life,” she added.

She further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the global UNAIDS 95% target. “Our goal is that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of them are placed on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.”

The First Lady also acknowledged the importance of working with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on treatment and prevention.

“We must continue to engage all sectors of society to create an environment where no one is left behind,” she said.

She therefore appreciated health workers, international partners, and survivors who shared their stories. “Your courage and commitment inspire hope. Let us continue this journey together, hand in hand, until we eliminate these diseases from our communities,” she said, before officially launching the campaign in the South-West.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering dedication to nation-building and commended the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing her as a compassionate mother.

She said the initiative marks a major step in improving the welfare of the people, especially women. While stressing that the fight against HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B must be a collective effort, she noted the particular risk these diseases pose to women of reproductive age. She called on stakeholders to support the First Lady’s mission to build a healthier society.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), called on the Ondo State Government to be more deliberate in addressing the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

She emphasized the urgent need to implement laws against stigmatization, raise public awareness, and educate citizens across both urban and rural communities.

Dr. Ilori also highlighted the importance of empowering local government authorities, noting that they are best positioned to reach the grassroots and drive meaningful impact at the community level.

Dr. Isiaka Ayodeji, representing Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, assured the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, of the WHO’s full support for the Renewed Hope Initiative.

He commended the First Lady’s efforts in championing public health interventions, particularly the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, which targets the elimination of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age.

Dr. Ayodeji noted that the WHO is actively aligning its strategies and resources to complement the initiative and will continue to provide technical and policy support to ensure its success, especially at the grassroots level.

Also, Dr. Temitope Fadiya, representing the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Leo Zekeng, emphasized the importance of incorporating HIV education in schools, so that boys and girls can learn the basics of HIV prevention from an early age.

An HIV survivor also shared her story, emphasizing that HIV is not a death sentence, and with proper medication, the virus can be suppressed. She urged the public to stop stigmatising people living with the condition.

In his remarks, Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, represented by Minister of State, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to improving the health of Nigerians.

He described her passion as a driving force in advancing the health sector and appreciated stakeholders supporting her efforts. He also emphasized that diseases like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are preventable and not a death sentence.

In attendance were the Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman (RHI), H.E Hajia Nana Shettima, along with other state governor’s wives, Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, his wife, Mrs. Abosede Adelami, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, and various political appointees.