By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Nigeria Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako has explained that the Free to Shine campaign is a pivotal initiative designed to achieve the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis (TB).
Dr. Salako added, “It is more than just a campaign, it is a call to action for improved health programme—a rallying cry for stakeholders, partners, and communities to unite in the fight against these diseases. It is a declaration of hope, a commitment to a healthier future, and a promise to our women and children, who remain disproportionately affected by these preventable diseases”.
Minister stated these at the flag off of the Organisation of African First Ladies For Development (OAFLAD) Free To Shine Campaign in the North West zone in Kaduna today, Tuesday 24th February, 2025.
According to him, UNAIDS 2023 data for Nigeria indicates 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, 22,000 new HIV infection and 15,000 AIDS related deaths each year.
“Nigeria as a country accounts for the largest number of mother to child transmission of HIV. Hence, the need for concerted and upscale efforts on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in the country”, he said.
Minister Salako congratulated Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi TinubuCON, on her recent election as a member of the Steering Committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
“This esteemed position—the highest decision-making body of the organization—reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in advancing health and development across Africa. Her Excellency now joins the eight-member Steering Committee, proudly representing West Africa alongside another esteemed colleague”, he stated.
Below is the full address of the Minister:
ADDRESS BY DR IZIAQ ADEKUNLE SALAKO, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE DELIVERED AT THE NORTH WEST ZONE FLAG-OFF OF THE OAFLAD FREE TO SHINE CAMPAIGN HELD ON TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2025 AT THE UMARU MUSA YAR’DUA HALL, KADUNA.
PROTOCOLS
It is with immense joy and a deep sense of purpose that I stand before you today on this auspicious occasion.
First, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, on her recent election as a member of the Steering Committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). This esteemed position—the highest decision-making body of the organization—reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in advancing health and development across Africa. Her Excellency now joins the eight-member Steering Committee, proudly representing West Africa alongside another esteemed colleague.
We gather here at a critical moment in our national response—a time when conversations around sustainability, resource mobilization, and advocacy must take center stage.
The OAFLAD Free to Shine Campaign is not just another initiative; it is a powerful tool that will help us achieve these goals. Let me use this opportunity to commend and appreciate Her Excellency, the First Lady, for her relentless commitment to bringing together key stakeholders in pursuit of this noble goal. Your leadership, passion, and dedication to the health and well-being of Nigerians inspire us all. Additionally, I encourage all the Spouses of Governors in the North-West, led by Her Excellency, Hajiya Hafsah Uba Sani of Kaduna State to emulate this leadership in all the States in the North-West of Nigeria.
The Free to Shine Campaign is a pivotal initiative designed to achieve the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis (TB). It is more than just a campaign, it is a call to action for improved health programme—a rallying cry for stakeholders, partners, and communities to unite in the fight against these diseases. It is a declaration of hope, a commitment to a healthier future, and a promise to our women and children, who remain disproportionately affected by these preventable diseases.
UNAIDS 2023 data for Nigeria indicates 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, 22,000 new HIV infection and 15,000 AIDS related deaths each year.
Nigeria as a country accounts for the largest number of mother to child transmission of HIV. Hence, the need for concerted and upscale efforts on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in the country.
Eliminating these diseases requires a multi-sectoral, collaborative approach—one that brings together government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, civil society, and individuals. As the Federal Ministry of Health, we stand fully aligned with this campaign and remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure Nigeria achieves this ambitious yet vital goal.
HIV, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis continue to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria, contributing to maternal and child mortality, undermining socioeconomic development, and placing a heavy burden on families and communities. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on—not only for the health of individuals but for the collective well-being and prosperity of our nation.
In recognition of the urgent need for coordinated action, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently inaugurated a Technical Working Group to drive critical conversations on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) and develop an framework for integrated implementation of the programmes.
This is to compliment the cabinet Committee under the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation set up by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to ensure that the AIDS, TB and Malaria programmes in Nigeria does not suffer as a result of the recent policies of President Donald Trump of America. I will therefore like to use this opportunity to assure all Nigerians especially those living with HIV/AIDS that drugs, test kits and all the care you need will be provided in line with the policy of the Federal Government to provide high quality care to people living with HIV and to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
I call on all our state governments to support the self sustainance agenda of the Federal government by allocating more resources to the HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis Program in their states especially to absorb the health workers being laid off as a result of dwindling partner’s funding.
To our women and mothers, I urge you to take charge of your health. Visit the nearest government health facility to get tested and access life-saving care. Ensuring that you and your unborn child are protected. It is not just your right, it is our priority. Through this campaign, we reaffirm that you are not just free to live but live in dignity, free to shine, thrive in health and fulfill your purpose.
To our dedicated health workers, you are the heartbeat of this campaign. You stand on the frontlines of care, delivering hope, treatment, and compassion to those who need it most.
I commend you for steadfastness, your commitment and for standing with your country even in the face of the challenges posed by the high migration of health workers outside the country. Your unwavering dedication is truly commendable, and I urge you to continue providing high-quality, patient-centered care to our citizens.
I equally urge all citizens to embrace these opportunities being provided by the government to access care and provide necessary community-based support devoid of stigma and discrimination to people prevent and care for people living with or affected by HIV, TB and syphilis.
Let us commit today to building a Nigeria where every citizen is free to shine—free from the burden of preventable diseases, free from the limitations of inadequate healthcare, and free to pursue a healthier, brighter future.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
