The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinibu said communities should be at the forefront in the
fight against HIV and AIDS.

Addressing thousands of people at Chinotimba Stadium here in Victoria Falls during the 34 th
anniversary of the Worlds Aids Day Commemorations, the Nigerian First Lady who is among the
African First Ladies and health ministers who will be attending the International Conference on AIDS
and STIs in Africa (ICASA) said the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won without the active
involvement of leadership around communities.

“For decades, the global response to HIV/AIDS has been driven by governments, international
organisations and health care professionals, while their efforts have been commendable, it is time to
recognise the pivotal role that communities play in shaping the response to this epidemic.

Communities should be able to be at the forefront of the fight against HIV /AIDS and their leadership
is crucial in achieving our goals of preventions treatment and support,” she said.

The global commitment is to eradicate AIDS by 2030. UNAIDS reported 1,5 million new infections in
2022 with Africa accounting for nearly two thirds of global infections.

This year’s World Aids Day ran under the theme Let Communities Lead.

First Lady Oluremi Tinibu called for community leaders especially traditional leaders, NGO leaders,
community based organisations to lead in the fight against the pandemic.

“We are Africans, we are known for our resilience and tenacity, we must not give up and we must
do,” she said.