About 20 million people, representing 10 percent of Nigeria’s population, are possible carriers of the hepatitis virus while experts have submitted that the B and C variants are more prevalent in Northern Nigeria.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that a gastroenterologist at Garki Hospital, Abuja, Dr Idile Justice has not only provided tips for reducing the infections but also noted that while the virus can be managed, it could also be deadly if not detected and treated early being one of the leading causes of liver cancer.
At an outreach to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis day which had as its theme ‘let’s break it down’ Dr Justice said it is unfortunate that many people in the country and globally who are infected are unaware of their status owing to lack of information.
Hepatitis B and C, he noted, are transmittable through blood transfusion and use of sharp objects, hence, over 60 percent liver diseases and liver cancers are majorly caused by the ailment.
He urged Nigerians to ensure that they get tested and vaccinated as basic preventive measures against the ailment while listing danger points to include sharing sharp objects, using untested blood before transfusion, drawing a tattoo without sterilized objects, ‘because
Hepatitis B and C stay long on the objects and if not sterilized, could be transmitted’.
The Medical Director of Nisa Garki Hospital, Dr. Kenneth Ityo also said the outreach programme, organized in collaboration with the Lehi Foundation is aimed at sensitizing society as well as reaching out to the immediate community to reduce the spread of the disease.
He regretted that adequate attention has not been given to hepatitis, which he described as deadlier than many other diseases and one that could lead to chronic illnesses.
‘This intervention is free and we are testing both at the hospital and at Garki Village. This is what we do regularly as part of our
corporate social responsibility because we know that infections such as hepatitis B and C could go on to manifest as chronic liver disease and even vascular cancer, which is why public awareness is so crucial.
‘We have a few organizations collaborating with us. Today, to mark this event, we are offering a free assessment to confirm those who are negative so that they can get vaccinated’ Dr Ityo said.
He outlined the steps in hepatitis prevention and care: ‘The first step is vaccinating everybody to make sure they do not get sick. The second step is early diagnosis—testing everybody with the intervention so that if we catch it early enough, we can offer some form of care’.
Some among the beneficiaries said the testing would help them know their status, take the vaccination, and begin other preventive measures seriously.
The testing and vaccination programme by Nisa Garki Hospital, in collaboration with the Lehi Foundation, is also being conducted randomly at Garki Village and other suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The World Hepatitis Day is marked globally on July 28 every year to create awareness and garner support for those affected by the disease.
The global body said more than 70 million people in Africa are living with chronic hepatitis B and C, yet fewer than 1 in 10 have been diagnosed or received treatments-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
