Nigeria is stepping up its national response to HIV/AIDS as the country marks 225 World AIDS Day with First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu spearheading a fresh call for collective action.
At a high-level commemoration in Abuja, she urged Nigerians to unite behind the federal government’s ambition to eliminate HIV by 2030.
The 2025 World AIDS Day observance in Abuja provided a moment of renewed national reflection as Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu declared that this year’s commemoration should inspire gratitude for progress made and a stronger commitment to the work ahead.
She unveiled the nationwide rollout of the Free to Shine Campaign, which is a flagship initiative aimed at the triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis by 2030, placing Nigeria firmly within global efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of these infections.
The ceremony brought together policy makers, development partners, civil society groups, and health advocates, all aligned in strengthening Nigeria’s response to the epidemic and sustaining momentum toward national targets.
Nigeria has made notable progress in reducing HIV prevalence over the last decade, driven by expanded testing, increased access to antiretroviral therapy, and stronger collaboration with global health partners.
However, challenges remain, including stigma, funding gaps, and the need to further reduce new infections, especially among young people and vulnerable groups.
With World AIDS Day activities continuing across the country, the Wife of the President emphasised that achieving the 2030 elimination target will require shared responsibility across communities, institutions, and every level of government, as Nigeria works to close the remaining gaps in its HIV response.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
