By Salifu Faridat
Taraba State is currently grappling with a disconcerting surge in the prevalence of viral Hepatitis B, which has reached a staggering fourfold that of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
This concerning revelation has been brought to the forefront by the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF).
During a recent meeting with Dr. Bodia Gbansheya, the newly appointed Commissioner for Health in Jalingo, WACHEF sounded the alarm about the escalating prevalence of Hepatitis B within the state.
The foundation emphasized that the prevalence of Hepatitis B has now reached four times the rate of HIV, which currently stands at 2.9 percent.
It’s noteworthy that the infectiousness of Hepatitis B surpasses that of HIV by a substantial factor of a hundred.
In a comparative perspective, WACHEF pointed out that on a national level, Nigeria’s prevalence rates for Hepatitis B and C are 11 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.
However, Taraba State records notably higher rates, with Hepatitis B reaching 12.8 percent and Hepatitis C at 4.7 percent within the general population.
Related Posts
Jaar Magaji, the Executive Director of WACHEF, highlighted the potential for collaborative efforts to lead to the elimination or significant reduction of Hepatitis B prevalence.
The foundation advocated for the establishment of a dedicated annual budget allocation to combat the virus, underlining the substantial benefits such an approach could yield for the state.
A pivotal factor contributing to the widespread occurrence of viral hepatitis is attributed to inadequate funding for combating the disease.
WACHEF underscored the pressing need for enhanced financial resources to mount an effective campaign against the virus.
Reiterating its unwavering commitment to ensuring universal access to quality health and social services, particularly for women and children, WACHEF called upon the government to strategically address the alarming prevalence of Hepatitis B.
Impressed by WACHEF’s commendable achievements, including its successful advocacy for the domestication of the Task Shifting and Task Sharing (TSTS) policy in the state, the commissioner affirmed the state government’s unwavering dedication to prioritizing the health sector throughout his tenure.
The escalating prevalence of Hepatitis B in Taraba State underscores the immediate necessity for comprehensive strategies and resources to confront this pressing health challenge.
The plea for increased funding and heightened awareness serves as a stark reminder of the collective endeavor required to effectively tackle such critical public health concerns.
