Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, emphasized the need for continued efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, acknowledging progress while pointing out that much more needs to be done. She addressed the High-Level Pre-Conference Meeting of the 22nd International Conference on AIDS and STI in Africa (ICASA), organized by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), with the theme “AIDS is not over; address inequalities, accelerate inclusion, and innovate.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasizes the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, acknowledging progress and underscoring the challenges during the ICASA conference
Senator Tinubu commits to the Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to address challenges in combating HIV/AIDS, including stigma and insecurity in Nigeria
Beyond healthcare challenges, Senator Tinubu highlighted the impact of insecurity on efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. In regions affected by conflict and instability, access to healthcare becomes compromised, hindering prevention and treatment efforts. The Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes the intersectionality of health and security issues, calling for strategies that address both aspects concurrently.
Senator Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda underscores the critical role of political leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Governments and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping policies, allocating resources, and fostering a conducive environment for effective interventions. Her call to action encourages other leaders to prioritize the health and well-being of their populations.
Despite the challenges faced in achieving complete success, Senator Tinubu expressed hope and highlighted the country’s population of over 200 million as a significant challenge in combating the scourge. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has rekindled hope in all aspects of life, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.
While Nigeria aims for the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, Senator Tinubu affirmed her commitment to working with First Ladies from various states to address the challenges hindering progress. She emphasized the need to confront issues like insecurity and stigmatization head-on. As an advocate for girl child education and through her Renewed Hope Initiative, she pledged to “find all, test all, and treat all” before the 2030 deadline.
The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, highlighted the importance of including men and male children in the efforts to eliminate the scourge completely. She stressed the right of children living with HIV/AIDS to receive the best care and child-friendly antiretroviral drugs.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, addressing the First Ladies as a crucial community in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission and new infections, urged them to adopt science and technology for these purposes, asserting that this is a winnable war.
