First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, stressing that the disease should no longer be treated with shame. Speaking at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration organized by NACA, she emphasized open dialogue, prevention awareness and access to care. She highlighted Nigeria’s steady progress toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B by 2030 through the Renewed Hope Initiative Free to Shine campaign launched across all six geopolitical zones.

Senator Tinubu urged parents, teachers and young people to take responsibility for their health through early testing and open conversations. She encouraged communities to cultivate love, acceptance and support for people living with HIV. Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030, she said early diagnosis and expanded healthcare access remain key to achieving national and global targets.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Salako commended the resilience of people living with HIV and stressed the importance of mentorship and community-based programmes. NACA Director General Dr. Temitope Ilori reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with global health goals, emphasizing public awareness, inclusion and leadership engagement. She noted that the revised age of consent for HIV testing, lowered from 18 to 14, will enhance early diagnosis and youth protection.