By Aminat Umar
*…Marks Y2024 World Hepatitis Day with Symposium*
*…Tasks Residents on Preventive Measures*
*…Screens and Vaccinates Over 5,000 Residents*
The Lagos State Government is leading a robust campaign against Hepatitis, rolling out extensive initiatives designed to halt the virus’s spread. This proactive approach marks a significant commitment to public health, aiming to protect and improve the lives of its residents.
In a vibrant symposium celebrating World Hepatitis Day in Lagos, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, unveiled an ambitious strategy to combat Hepatitis C. Highlighting the state’s commitment, he announced subsidized testing initiatives and a comprehensive vaccination drive for residents. The plan also includes extensive community outreach programs designed to educate and engage the public, aiming to significantly reduce the disease’s impact across the region.
At the symposium hosted at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Ogboye called for a more vigorous battle against viral Hepatitis. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the alarming findings of the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis report. According to the report, viral Hepatitis now ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 1.3 million lives each year—an astonishing figure that surpasses deaths from HIV/AIDS by a factor of 100. Dr. Ogboye’s remarks underscored the critical need for heightened awareness and intensified efforts to combat this deadly disease.
Similarly, Dr. Ogboye underscored a concerning finding: a baseline report revealed that Lagos has a higher prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) compared to the national average. This alarming trend suggests the need for intensified public health interventions in the bustling metropolis to combat these viral infections more effectively.
He stated, “In 2016, a baseline assessment conducted with support from the Lagos State Government showed a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV (5% and 1%) when compared to the national average. These figures suggest that an estimated 2 million and 200,000 Lagosians are chronically infected with Hepatitis B & C, all of whom are at risk of developing cirrhosis and primary liver cancer if left untreated.”
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the state’s proactive measures to combat Hepatitis, noting the launch of the Hepatitis Control Program in 2017. This initiative, bolstered by a dedicated budget, marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the disease.
Dr. Ogboye announced that the state government, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), is now offering Hepatitis C viral load testing at reduced rates. This collaboration has already enabled 435 individuals to receive testing at two diagnostic centers, making vital healthcare more accessible to the community.
The state government has undertaken a comprehensive health initiative, screening and vaccinating approximately 5,000 individuals, with a primary focus on health workers. This effort underscores their commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the wellbeing of those on the frontline.
“The state government has provided access to Hepatitis C Viral Load testing at subsidized prices. About 435 Hepatitis C Viral Load tests have been performed thus far in two diagnostic facilities in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Recently, the state has also provided screening and vaccination for over 5,000 persons, mainly healthcare workers, complemented by extensive community outreach programs,” he said.
On the basis of this however, Dr. Ogboye reiterated the administration’s unwavering dedication to combating viral Hepatitis, praising the invaluable support from stakeholders. Their collective efforts have bolstered the state government’s initiative, underscoring a unified commitment to addressing this critical health issue.
He pledged that the government would persist in involving key stakeholders and the public in the fight against the disease. By rolling out comprehensive strategies, the aim is to eradicate infections and safeguard public health across the state
Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite, the Director of Disease Control at the State Ministry of Health, highlighted the severity of viral hepatitis during his recent speech. He pointed out that hepatitis, a condition marked by liver inflammation and damage, is one of the deadliest infectious diseases, claiming over 1.3 million lives annually. In anticipation of World Hepatitis Day 2024, themed “It is Time for Action,” Dr. Agbolagorite emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the disease’s devastating impact and intensifying global efforts to eradicate it.
“We gather on this crucial day to mark World Hepatitis Day to raise public awareness about the devastating effect of Hepatitis on health and to scale-up efforts to end the global scourge,” he said.
More importantly, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, the Lagos State Viral Hepatitis Control Program Coordinator, shared that the efforts to combat hepatitis extend far beyond World Hepatitis Day. The State Ministry of Health is actively engaged in ongoing community awareness campaigns, ensuring that the message of prevention and control reaches every corner of Lagos.
“These campaigns aim to inform citizens about the government’s prevention and control strategies and provide basic information on where and when to seek medical intervention against the deadly disease,” she said.
He praised Lagos State’s dedication to combating Viral Hepatitis through enhanced prevention, care, awareness, and treatment initiatives. She affirmed the government’s robust strategy to slash mortality rates by 95% and 65% respectively by 2030, underscoring an unwavering commitment to significantly curtail the disease’s impact.
To cap it all, Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), revealed a startling fact: between 90 and 95% of Nigerians contract a specific infection during childhood. This transmission occurs primarily in two ways: either through maternal infection passed via the placenta or through common childhood interactions.
He issued a crucial warning to residents, urging them to safeguard themselves against a lethal disease. She emphasizes the importance of getting tested and vaccinated to stay protected. Additionally, she advocates for rigorous personal and environmental hygiene practices and advises against sharing sharp objects to minimize risk.
Signed,
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
7th August, 2024
