The Ogun State Government on Monday said that it plans to hold free hepatitis screening for 200,000 residents between now and 2026.
It also said it will be providing subsidised treatment to those found living with the viral infection, which is said to be killing one person every 30 seconds, according to the World Health Organisation’s report.
At a press briefing to commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day held in Abeokuta, the state capital, Coker said that it is no longer acceptable that approximately one in 10 Nigerians is positive for hepatitis, saying that the time is now for all to rise to this challenge with bold steps, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment.
She stated that as of 2022, WHO estimated that globally, 290 million people were living with viral hepatitis and were mostly unaware of their infection, while 254 million had Hepatitis B, and 50 million were suffering from Hepatitis C.
The commissioner added that the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) reported a national prevalence of 8.1% for Hepatitis B and 1.1% for Hepatitis C, underscoring the scale of the challenge of the deadly disease in the country.
She described the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down’, as a timely call for clarity, collaboration and lots of community-driven action to cut down on the deadly march of the disease in the country.
The commissioner said that Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver and may be caused by chemicals, bacteria, or viruses, but viral hepatitis remains the most pressing public health concern because of its potential to cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
She revealed that there are five main types of hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D, and E, but Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most dangerous, due to their severe consequences and widespread transmission.
Coker explained that these viruses spread through sexual contact, from mother to child during childbirth, and through the use of contaminated sharp objects, just like HIV.
She stated further that, unfortunately, up to 50% of people infected with Hepatitis B or C show no symptoms, making early detection difficult and that some of the symptoms may include yellowness of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, dark urine, and loss of appetite.
Coker added that the good news, however, is that Hepatitis B, like Hepatitis A, is vaccine-preventable, and that is why it is strongly recommended that all infants at birth should be vaccinated against this disease, while children and adolescents under 19 years who missed the opportunity in infancy can also still take this vaccination.
Those at high risk of contracting this disease were said to include healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who inject drugs, as well as pregnant women who have not been previously immunised.
The commissioner stated further that the state, under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun, is committed to controlling viral hepatitis.
She added, ‘Our efforts include routine screening of pregnant women for Hepatitis B during antenatal care, and newborns receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost.
‘Screening services are also available at all secondary health facilities, while vaccination for other categories is offered at our state hospitals for a prescribed
‘To commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day, in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, we are offering free hepatitis screening across all six state hospitals.
‘There will also be subsidised vaccination for those who test negative and wish to be immunised. Linkage to care for Hepatitis B-positive individuals will be at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
‘Looking forward, our 2026 targets include screening at least 200,000 residents, prioritising youths due to risky behaviour, pregnant women due to their vulnerability, and healthcare workers due to the occupational hazard.
‘Expanding hepatitis screening and vaccination services across selected facilities in all three senatorial districts and achieving at least 95% Hepatitis B birth-dose coverage across all Primary Health Centres – so we urge you to ensure your babies receive their vaccinations at birth’.
Coker said that the state also plans to launch the Hepatitis Data Dashboard to track progress and enhance accountability while also improving on grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation against this disease.
The commissioner has called on the health workers to be worthy ambassadors for hepatitis elimination, charging them to protect themselves at work, prioritise infection prevention, screen at-risk populations, and vaccinate where needed.
She also urged community leaders to also mobilise their communities to get screened and know their status, while the media should also help to dispel misinformation and spread the truth about hepatitis.
