• Four-Day Residential Program on Hepatitis Management Kicks Off for Lagos Medical Officers
• Experts Stress Importance of Early Diagnosis in Combating Viral Hepatitis in Lagos
By Husain Legbo Husain
In a bid to strengthen healthcare delivery, the Lagos State Government has initiated a four-day intensive residential training program to bolster the skills of medical officers in managing viral hepatitis. The program, which commenced on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Orchid Hotel in Lekki, is organized by the Ministry of Health with support from the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR).
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it emphatically states that the initiative targets medical officers in secondary health facilities, focusing on equipping them with advanced knowledge and tools to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of viral hepatitis cases across the state.
Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, the Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, underscored the critical need for such capacity-building efforts. “Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health concern. This training is designed to empower our medical officers with the necessary expertise to deliver quality care to patients in general hospitals across Lagos State,” she said in her opening address.
The program reflects the government’s commitment to combating infectious diseases and improving public health outcomes through strategic partnerships and comprehensive training initiatives.
As part of its commitment to bolstering healthcare delivery and combating infectious diseases, the Lagos State Government has launched a four-day residential training program for medical officers aimed at enhancing the management of viral hepatitis in secondary health facilities. The program, held at Orchid Hotel, Lekki, began on Monday, November 25, 2024, and is supported by the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR).
Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with global health goals. “This training ensures access to quality care across health facilities and advances the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030,” she said. She added that the program also strengthens the state’s healthcare system and lays the groundwork for subsequent training sessions targeting laboratory scientists and other health professionals.
Beyond equipping medical officers with advanced skills, the initiative extends its impact to community awareness, routine screenings, and vaccinations aimed at prevention and early detection. Dr. Egunjobi emphasized the government’s dedication to inclusive healthcare, urging participants to cascade their newly acquired knowledge to peers and communities.
“This training reaffirms our resolve as a responsible government to improve healthcare delivery for all Lagosians,” she said, stressing the importance of prevention as a cornerstone of the state’s hepatitis control strategy.
The program concludes on Thursday, November 28, 2024, marking a significant step in Lagos State’s mission to achieve sustainable health outcomes and eliminate viral hepatitis.
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to combat viral hepatitis with a groundbreaking training program for healthcare workers, addressing critical knowledge gaps in managing the silent killer. Speaking at the opening of the four-day residential program, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, Coordinator of the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), emphasized the pressing need to enhance awareness and expertise among medical professionals.
“Viral hepatitis remains a silent killer, largely due to inadequate knowledge among healthcare workers, including doctors. This training is a vital step toward bridging that gap,” Dr. Erinosho stated.
In a poignant moment, she shared her personal loss of a sister-in-law to the disease, underscoring the dire consequences of delayed detection and poor management. She highlighted early detection and proactive care as lifesaving strategies that this training aims to instill in participants.
Dr. Erinosho also celebrated Lagos State’s leadership in healthcare innovation, noting its milestone as the first in Nigeria to initiate routine screening and vaccination of healthcare workers against viral hepatitis. “This initiative not only protects healthcare workers but also raises awareness about the importance of knowing one’s status and taking preventive measures,” she remarked.
The program, designed to empower healthcare workers in secondary facilities, marks a significant stride in Lagos State’s mission to eliminate viral hepatitis and enhance healthcare delivery for its residents.
In its mission to eliminate viral hepatitis and improve healthcare delivery, Lagos State has launched a transformative training program for healthcare workers. Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, Coordinator of the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), highlighted the initiative as a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to build a skilled healthcare workforce capable of managing viral hepatitis at all levels.
“This training is part of a broader effort to empower healthcare workers as advocates for change, equipping them to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and deliver quality care,” Dr. Erinosho said. She called on participants to share their knowledge with communities and foster early detection and prevention efforts.
The program features expert facilitators, including Prof. Casimir Omuemu, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Their sessions provide practical insights and updated national guidelines for effective hepatitis management.
During his presentation, Prof. Omuemu emphasized the critical role of early diagnosis and timely intervention in combating viral hepatitis. “This training is an opportunity to deepen your expertise and improve patient outcomes. Take it seriously and apply it in your practice,” he urged.
As Lagos State continues to lead innovative healthcare initiatives, this training reinforces its commitment to equipping medical professionals with the tools needed to combat viral hepatitis and achieve sustainable health outcomes for all residents.
At a pivotal training session in Lagos, health experts have sounded the alarm on the growing threat of viral hepatitis, calling it a “silent killer” that demands urgent attention. Prof. Casimir Omuemu, a leading Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), revealed alarming statistics: one in every 12 people is affected by hepatitis, often without symptoms until serious complications develop. He warned that complacency in addressing the disease is dangerous.
“This disease silently affects millions, and its consequences can be devastating,” Prof. Omuemu said, stressing the importance of testing and vaccination as vital tools in preventing widespread infection. He urged Nigerians to prioritize these preventive measures for the sake of their families and future generations.
Commending the Lagos State initiative, Prof. Omuemu emphasized the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating hepatitis. He pointed out that continuous education for healthcare workers is essential to keep pace with the evolving diagnosis and treatment protocols. “Healthcare providers must be equipped to identify complications and know the appropriate facilities for effective management,” he stated.
Encouraging healthcare professionals to undergo regular testing and participate in workshops, he added, “Early detection is cheaper, less painful, and can prevent more severe outcomes like liver cancer and failure.” He called for a united effort to tackle hepatitis head-on and protect public health.
Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), also addressed the gravity of viral hepatitis as a public health issue. She supported the call for action, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and continued medical training to better combat this silent yet deadly disease.
This training session marks a crucial step in equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage hepatitis effectively, reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for all.
During the ongoing training program for healthcare workers in Lagos, Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), shed light on the critical public health threat posed by viral hepatitis. She explained that hepatitis infections can progress from acute illness to chronic liver disease, which is a leading cause of liver failure and primary liver cancer worldwide. “In Nigeria, Hepatitis B is the most prevalent, responsible for many long-term liver complications,” she said.
Dr. Igetei expressed concern over the lack of awareness and the tendency for patients to present late for treatment, often due to limited healthcare access and insufficient follow-up care. Despite these challenges, she remained optimistic about Nigeria’s progress in managing liver diseases, pointing to ongoing discussions aimed at establishing liver transplantation centers in the country.
However, she emphasized that prevention remains the most effective approach. “These infections and their devastating outcomes are preventable,” Dr. Igetei reiterated, urging healthcare providers to prioritize early detection, patient education, and vaccination. Her message underscored the importance of proactive healthcare to reduce the burden of hepatitis and safeguard public health.
Dr. Rufina Igetei, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), emphasized the critical role of early detection and patient education in combating hepatitis during the ongoing training for healthcare workers. “If every doctor encourages their patients to know their hepatitis status, we can significantly reduce the long-term effects of chronic infections,” she stated, stressing the importance of proactive communication in preventing severe health outcomes.
Healthcare professionals from various Lagos State General Hospitals, participating in the training, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills. They acknowledged that the training would not only improve their service delivery but also contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with hepatitis, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the community.
