From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In commemoration of the 2023 World Hepatitis Day, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health joined forces with several NGOs to carry out sensitisation and free testing for Hepatitis B and C in the Shabu community, located in Lafia Local Government Area.
Dr Ibrahim Adamu, the Director of Public Health at the ministry, highlighted the objective of the initiative, which is aimed at eliminating the viral infection. He emphasized that hepatitis B and C are the most deadly forms of the disease, with hepatitis B being vaccine-preventable and hepatitis C being treatable.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) designates July 28 every year as World Hepatitis Day to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis and promote preventive measures.
During the event, on Friday at Shabu, Development Area, Lafia Local govt area of the state. Mr Envoh Okolo, Executive Director of the Beacon Youth Initiative, one of the partnering NGOs, emphasized the importance of timely testing and treatment. He stated that the theme for the 2023 commemoration, “We Are Not Waiting,” serves as a call to accelerate efforts in eliminating viral hepatitis.
The prevalence of hepatitis in Nasarawa State has raised concerns, with rates for hepatitis B and C higher than the national average. The state’s prevalent rates for hepatitis B and C stand at 13% and 8%, respectively, compared to the national average of 3.2% for hepatitis B and 1.1% for hepatitis C.
Dr Liman Mohammed, Deputy Director of Public Health at the ministry, stressed the need for prevention through sensitisation, as hepatitis infections can often remain undetected due to the lack of apparent symptoms until it becomes too late.
At the Palace of the traditional ruler, Alh. Mahmood Bwallah II, the Sangarin Shabu, the community leaders expressed gratitude to the Ministry and its partners for organizing the hepatitis sensitisation exercise. The traditional ruler encouraged his people to take advantage of the opportunity for testing and treatment, given the dangerous nature of hepatitis.
As part of the initiative, over 500 people in Shabu community received free testing for hepatitis B and were offered the hepatitis B vaccine to enhance prevention efforts.
Sun reports that the collaborative efforts between Nasarawa State Ministry of Health and NGOs serve as a vital step towards reducing the prevalence of hepatitis and ensuring a healthier future for the rural communities in the region.
