World AIDS Day: First Lady warns Nigeria can not afford to slow down in HIV fight

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World AIDS Day 2025, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has issued a fresh warning that the country must not lose momentum in the battle against HIV/AIDS, insisting that the 2030 target for ending the epidemic is only achievable if current efforts are intensified.

In a statement released on her X handle, the First Lady aligned with this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruptions; Transforming the AIDS Response,” stressing that the annual commemoration should not be treated as routine but as a call to interrogate what is working and what is not in the national response.

According to her, World AIDS Day “serves as a reminder” for Nigeria to “revamp efforts” aimed at “ending HIV/AIDS by 2030,” a target health experts say increasingly depends on eliminating funding gaps, widening access to testing, and addressing persistent community-level stigma.

Mrs Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care but subtly pointed to lingering gaps that continue to put millions at risk.

“Over the years, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care, but our journey towards an AIDS-free nation continues,” she said, underscoring unresolved issues around access to life-saving services.

“Every Nigerian deserves access to life-saving services, free from stigma and discrimination,” she added, a remark that reflects ongoing concerns that stigma still drives many people away from clinics.

Her message also placed responsibility on young Nigerians, a demographic health officials warn is experiencing rising new infections due to low testing rates and misinformation.

“To our youth, take charge of your health, know your HIV status by getting tested, and seek treatment if found positive,” the First Lady said.

She further appealed to communities to stop practices that isolate or shame people living with the virus, urging a shift toward support and empathy.

“To our communities, I call on you to show compassion and support and say no to stigmatisation.”

The First Lady ended her message with a brief goodwill note: “Happy World AIDS Day 2025.”

World AIDS Day is marked annually on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, honour people living with the virus, and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Despite global gains, the day often exposes gaps in national responses gaps Nigeria must confront if the 2030 deadline is to remain realistic.