First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians across all sectors to support the Tinubu administration’s renewed drive to end HIV/AIDS in the country by 2030.
She said national unity and shared responsibility are crucial to sustaining progress and closing existing gaps in the national HIV response.
Speaking at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu described the day as “an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment.” This year’s theme, Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response, underscores the need to maintain momentum despite recent challenges.
The First Lady noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in prevention, treatment, and care, but warned that stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles. She urged Nigerians to confront prejudice and ensure that people living with HIV are treated with dignity and respect.
She highlighted progress under Nigeria’s HIV response, including the prioritisation of eliminating mother-to-child transmission, expansion of paediatric treatment, and strengthened programme sustainability. Mrs. Tinubu also referenced the Free to Shine campaign, launched nationwide through the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which aims to eliminate HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis by 2030.
According to her, the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), supported by global partners, has recorded “significant progress,” particularly in protecting mothers and children. She emphasised that Nigeria is moving closer to the global goal of eliminating vertical transmission by 2030.
While acknowledging the achievements, Mrs. Tinubu expressed concern about the country’s heavy dependence on donor funding. She welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of $200 million for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions and noted that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is deepening engagement with states to strengthen ownership and sustainability of programmes.
The First Lady also praised the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori; NASCP; development partners; civil society groups; and traditional and religious leaders for their ongoing contributions. She appealed to parents, teachers, and young people to promote open dialogue and responsible health behaviour, urging youths to “get tested and know your status.”
Reaffirming her optimism, she said Nigeria must remain committed to empathy and resilience as the country works toward ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced that Nigeria has surpassed key UNAIDS targets, with 98 percent of people living with HIV now on treatment and 95 percent achieving viral suppression. He added that expanded pre-exposure prophylaxis, integrated health services, and the reduction of the HIV testing age of consent from 18 to 14 have improved access to care.
NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, provided further insight into national and global HIV trends. She said 40.8 million people are living with HIV globally, with 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2024. However, 29 million people now have access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy, and global efforts continue to push toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
She noted that Nigeria’s HIV prevalence among adults aged 15–49 has dropped to 1.3 percent from 2.8 percent, with an estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with the virus. Nigeria has also made significant progress toward the 95-95-95 global targets, achieving 87 percent awareness of status, 98 percent treatment coverage for those who know their status, and 95 percent viral suppression.
Ilori highlighted major improvements in maternal and child health, with over 5.1 million pregnant women tested in 2024 and HIV-exposed infants receiving early diagnosis. She also identified remaining gaps in testing coverage, PMTCT, and early infant diagnosis, noting that efforts are underway to address these deficiencies.
She announced breakthroughs in HIV prevention, including a drop in the cost of twice-yearly injectable medication to as low as $40, describing it as a testament to global solidarity and innovation. Ilori also welcomed the Global Fund’s $11.34 billion replenishment and U.S. support for Nigeria’s transition toward greater domestic financing.
She emphasised that financial sustainability remains essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s progress and ensuring uninterrupted prevention, testing, and treatment services.
