By Olajide Tayo
A Free To Shine Campaign aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis among women of reproductive age has been launched in Ilorin, Kwara State by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the triple elimination campaign would eradicate mother to child transmission, and enhance treatment of children born with HIV.
The first lady, who is the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, explained that the Free to Shine campaign is an advocacy initiative of African Union and the Organization of African First Ladies for development and global partners to address the spread of HIV.
She said that the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness, renew commitment and take proactive action against the diseases.
Senator Tinubu noted that the vision is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called on every stakeholder to embrace the campaign and step it down to the local areas.
On his part, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate explained that ending HIV/AIDs, Syphilis and Hepatitis is possible considering the country’s efforts in tackling diseases in the past.
Professor Ali Pate emphasized the need for young doctors to engage in research, while giving assurance that the present administration is committed to supporting their work.
In his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Organization of African First Ladies For Development, Dr Nardos Berhanu identified children, women and the vulnerable ones as beneficiaries of the initiative as they are the most affected.
Dr. Berhanu called on stakeholders, including international organizations to support the campaign.
Earlier, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave assurance that the State Government would mobilize resources to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS receive required attention for them to live a productive life.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who expressed concern over the impact of HIV pandemic, stressed the need for collective efforts to overcome the challenges of the virus.
He expressed the State Government’s readiness to work with her and other stakeholders to checkmate the menace.
Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq described the free to shine campaign as a welcomed development.
Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq commended the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative and support to better the future of women and children in the country.
