By Salifu Faridat
In a startling revelation, the National Coordinator of National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, announced that approximately 19 million Nigerians are presently grappling with hepatitis.
The disclosure was made on Friday, during a recent briefing organized by the Federal Ministry of Health to commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day, with the theme “One life, one liver.”
Hepatitis is a disease that leads to inflammation or damage of the liver tissues and is categorized into five types: A, B, C, D, and E.
Dr. Bashorun expressed concern over the fact that merely 60 percent of Nigerians are aware of hepatitis, and even fewer, less than 50 percent, know their own hepatitis status.
He emphasized the importance of awareness and urged citizens to get tested to understand their health condition better.
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Highlighting prevention efforts, Dr. Bashorun revealed that the hepatitis vaccine is included in the routine immunization schedule for children. Additionally, there is a vaccination available for adults to prevent hepatitis B.
To combat the issue effectively, the federal government has developed a National Strategic Framework for Viral Hepatitis, which will span from 2022 to 2026.
Dr. Olufunso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, expressed concern over the prevalence of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
He pointed out that limited knowledge among healthcare providers and low awareness among the general population have contributed to person-to-person transmission, leading to stigmatization, delayed diagnosis, and higher mortality rates.
Echoing the urgency to tackle the viral hepatitis situation, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Nigeria Country Representative, called on Nigeria to adopt new and more effective approaches.
As the country grapples with the burden of hepatitis, creating awareness and encouraging regular testing are crucial steps towards reducing the impact of this disease on public health.
The federal government, along with various stakeholders, is determined to combat hepatitis and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.
