Anambra State First Lady Nonye Soludo visited a hospital in Awka on Friday to support a 13‑year‑old girl receiving treatment for advanced HIV disease. Accompanied by a team from her non‑governmental organisation, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, she donated food, nutritional supplements and other essential supplies, and provided cash assistance to help cover the girl’s ongoing medical and daily needs.
In a statement released on Saturday, Soludo said the visit formed part of the NGO’s commitment to “support the most vulnerable in our communities.” She thanked the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for bringing the case to her attention and urged the public to extend compassion, love and practical help to the nation’s disadvantaged, especially those battling serious illnesses in hospitals.
The First Lady emphasized that no child should have to fight a severe health challenge alone. “We remain dedicated to showing up for those who need us most,” she said. She called on citizens, civil society and private entities to collaborate in building “healthier, stronger communities” where the needy feel valued and cared for.
The intervention comes amid ongoing efforts by state and non‑governmental actors to improve HIV care for children in Nigeria, a country that still records a high burden of pediatric HIV infections. While antiretroviral therapy has expanded, challenges such as malnutrition, stigma and limited access to ancillary support persist. Initiatives like Soludo’s, which combine medical assistance with nutritional and financial aid, aim to address these gaps and improve treatment outcomes.
The Anambra State government has not commentated further on the visit, but the AIDS Control Agency confirmed that the girl’s condition remains stable under current treatment protocols. Health officials note that continued community engagement and resource mobilisation are essential to sustain progress in the fight against HIV, particularly for young patients who require comprehensive care beyond medication alone.
Soludo’s appeal for broader societal empathy arrives as Nigeria’s public health sector seeks to strengthen its response to chronic illnesses through partnerships with NGOs, donors and local volunteers. Observers suggest that high‑profile advocacy by prominent figures can catalyse additional support and raise awareness of the persistent needs of vulnerable children across the country.
The First Lady’s outreach underscores an emerging trend of political leaders leveraging personal foundations to deliver targeted health assistance, an approach that could influence future public‑private collaborations in Nigeria’s fight against HIV and other endemic diseases.
