The Nasarawa State Government has revealed a staggering 23,224 residents testing positive for viral Hepatitis B and C, as disclosed by Dr. Janet Angbazo, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health.
This concerning revelation came to light during a press briefing held to mark the 2023 World Hepatitis Day, themed “We are not waiting, one life, and one liver.”
The state health ministry conducted screening for 229,682 individuals, uncovering the alarming number of Hepatitis cases. The infected individuals have received treatment at government hospitals across the 13 Local Government Areas in the state.
Dr. Angbazo expressed her concern, stating, “I am here today to bring attention to the high burden of Hepatitis B & C in Nasarawa State, which surpasses the national average.”
In response to this health crisis, the Nasarawa State government has taken proactive steps, committing to a comprehensive five-year Hepatitis B and C elimination plan. The ambitious plan aims to treat approximately 124,000 individuals within the next five years.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the state Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, established the State’s Viral Hepatitis Control Program. The program aims to create an enabling policy environment to enhance access to HBV/HCV diagnostic and treatment services.
Dr. Angbazo further reported on the progress made in the fight against Hepatitis in the state. To date, 97 healthcare workers have received training across 17 healthcare facilities, and micro-elimination of the disease has been achieved in three facilities in Awe, Keana, and Doma.
In line with this year’s World Hepatitis Day theme, “we can’t wait,” Dr. Angbazo urged immediate action to prevent viral Hepatitis, advocate for timely treatment, and encourage individuals to know their statuses.
As part of the effort to curb the spread of Hepatitis, the permanent secretary appealed to the general public to undergo HBV and HCV testing at government hospitals throughout the state.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of avoiding the use of unsterilized sharp objects, sharing of needles/syringes, and the transfusion of unscreened blood/blood products.