Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, officially inaugurated the ‘Free to Shine’ health initiative in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Friday, with a mission to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age.
The programme also aims to prevent mother‑to‑child transmission and guarantee treatment access for children born with HIV.
Speaking at the launch, Tinubu emphasized the campaign’s nationwide reach: “This campaign will be carried out across all six geopolitical zones, and what we are witnessing today marks the flag‑off for the North‑East zone,”
Tinubu stated. “We have deliberately included traditional and religious leaders in this initiative to help drive awareness to the grassroots.”
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s preparedness, she added, “The government has made adequate provisions for HIV testing kits and anti‑retroviral drugs.”
She urged the public to remain calm and support the effort to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence to its lowest level.
Governor Agbu Kefas praised the federal government’s choice of Taraba for the launch and reiterated his administration’s target to eradicate HIV/AIDS in the state by 2030.
In a symbolic move, he appointed two persons living with HIV as Special Advisers to the Wife of the Governor, recognizing their advocacy and resilience.
At the event, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, announced a N200 billion allocation for HIV medication in the 2025 supplementary budget.
He described the funding as a critical step toward bolstering the national response to HIV/AIDS and related infections.
The ‘Free to Shine’ campaign is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against these diseases, particularly among vulnerable women and children, by combining widespread testing, community engagement, and sustained treatment support.
