Go For Hepatitis Screening, Minister Appeals To Nigerians

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has appealed to Nigerians to go for hepatitis screening, saying it is a silent killer.

Osagie said, Nigerians are free to get screened for hepatitis in health facilities across the nation.

The minister made the appeal on Wednesday while briefing News Men in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2021 World Hepatitis Day, Punch reported.

While noting importance of the screening and stating the statistics of infection, he said, getting screened has become crucial as 16 million Nigerians are estimated to be infected with hepatitis B, and 2.2 million with hepatitis C, which represents estimated prevalence rates of 8.1 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.

He further stated that viral hepatitis is still still a concern for public health especially that there is limited progress in fighting the disease.

Noting the progress Nigeria has made in the fight against Covid-19, he said it is an advantage to use resources available for the fight against the viral hepatitis.

Stating further how Nigeria is working to end the scourge, he said Nigeria has subscribed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the plan of ending the virus by 2030.

Adding that it will be focusing on infant vaccination, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, blood and injection safety, harm reduction and diagnosis and treatment.

Osagie also noted the need for stakeholders' support in collaboration with the Federal Government's effort to end the disease.