Edo State Government had reiterated its commitment to the reduction and elimination of Hepatitis in the state by creating awareness as well as providing free screening and vaccination for Edo people.
This commitment was restated as the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in partnership with Edo State Ministry of Health (MoH), Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDHIC), and the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) Edo State Chapter, came together to observe this year’s “World Hepatitis Day 2023” with the theme “We’re not Waiting” (One Life, One Liver).
The event took place simultaneously last Friday, at various locations in the three Senatorial Districts across the state: Edo South at the Benin City Central Bus Terminal, Obakhavbaye, Benin City; Edo Central at Uromi Central Park, Esan North East LGA, and Edo North at the Jattu Junction Park, Etsako West LGA.
This annual event aims to raise awareness about viral Hepatitis, a global health challenge affecting millions of lives, and advocate for prevention, testing, and treatment to combat this preventable and treatable disease.
While speaking at the Benin City Central Bus Terminal, Obakhavbaye, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, represented by Dr. Efeomon Eseigbe, the Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunization, EDSPHCDA, emphasized the importance of taking hepatitis seriously.
Dr. Eseigbe said, “Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection. In particular, Hepatitis B and C are the most concerning types, as they can lead to chronic diseases like liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately, Hepatitis-related deaths.”
Dr. Efeomon encouraged Edo residents to get tested and treated for hepatitis, saying, “The good news is that vaccination and lifestyle modification can prevent the development of hepatitis, while early detection and treatment can prevent severe liver damage and improve long-term health outcomes.”
The Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians in Nigeria (APHPN), Dr. Andrew Obi, in his address, stated, “As health workers, let us remember that we hold the power to protect ourselves and our communities.
“By being proactive, raising awareness, and taking timely action against hepatitis, we can make a real difference in safeguarding one of the most vital organs in our body – the liver. Because we have just one Liver and One Life to live.”
Dr. Andrew also encouraged residents to get regular checkups to detect if they have hepatitis early enough, noting that together as a people, we can strive towards a future where hepatitis is a thing of the past, and every life can thrive without fear of this silent threat called Hepatitis.
Highlights of the event were health education on prevailing health conditions in the state, free screening for hepatitis B and C, Adult Hepatitis B vaccination, counselling, and referral of Hepatitis cases identified. Men and women especially commercial transport workers trooped in to take advantage of the free screening exercise.
