The Nasarawa State Government has reported that 23,224 state residents have tested positive for the viruses Hepatitis B and C.
This was announced on Monday in Lafia at a press conference commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2023 with the theme “We are not waiting, one life, and one liver” by the permanent secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Janet Angbazo.
She went on to say that out of a total of 229,682 people screened, 23,224 were found to have the condition. They went on to say that there were people infected with the virus who were receiving treatment at government hospitals in all 13 of the state’s LGAs.
She said, “The World Hepatitis Day, is a day set aside by the World Health Organization to recognize viral Hepatitis as a global Public Health Challenge. It is commemorated every year to increase the visibility of the disease and attract more resources for the battle against it, as well as to bring succor to the people affected by the viral Hepatitis.
“I am here today to bring attention to the high burden of Hepatitis B & C in Nasarawa State, which surpasses the national average. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Nasarawa State government has committed to a five-year hepatitis B and C elimination plan. This ambitious plan aims to treat approximately 124,000 individuals within the next five years.
“It is the high burden of this dreaded disease in the state that led the state Ministry of Health with support from Clinton Health Access Initiative to establish the State’s Viral Hepatitis Control Program, creating an enabling policy environment to drive access to HBV/HCV diagnostic and treatment services.
“I am delighted to report that significant progress has been made in the fight against Hepatitis in our state. As of now, 97 Healthcare workers have been trained across 17 Healthcare facilities, and we have achieved micro elimination in three facilities in Awe, Keana, and Doma LGAs.
“As the theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day remind us, “we can’t wait” let us take immediate action to prevent viral hepatitis, know our statuses, and provide timely treatment.”
The permanent secretary also urged people to refrain from using unsterilized sharp objects, sharing needles or syringes, and transfusing unscreened blood or blood products. People should also make themselves available for HBV and HCV testing in government hospitals located throughout the state’s 13 LGAs.
“I also want to appeal to all residents of the state to spread the Hepatitis message widely and emphasize on the adoption of preventive measures that will reduce the further spread of the disease,” she added.
