Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Ministry of Health says statistics have revealed that Nigeria, with 11 per cent prevalence of Hepatitis B and 2.2 per cent of Hepatitis C, has one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis in the world.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State, Dr. Inodu Apoku, made the revelation on the occasion of the World Hepatitis Day on Tuesday in Yenagoa.
The World Hepatitis Day is commemorated globally on the July 28 each year to create awareness on viral hepatitis and to recommit as well as mobilise the global community on the path of elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
He said viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by five main types: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, of which Hepatitis B and C are the most common causes of death, with 1.4 million lives lost yearly.
Apoku said globally, viral hepatitis B and C affects over 350 million people with over over one million deaths, while nine in every 10 persons infected with the diseases are not aware of their status.
He stated, “However, the good news is that there are new medicines that can cure Hepatitis C in three months or less. As a government we are ensuring that any person aged 12 and above has access to these new drugs.
“The World Health Organisation has targeted this year as Hepatitis free future with a strong focus on preventing Hepatitis B (HBV) among mothers and new-born babies through safe and effective vaccination.”
Giving a breakdown of the life threatening infection, he said the infection could spread from person to person through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner, sharing of sharp objects and needles, accidental needle prick, among others.
Apply added: “Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B virus ranges from mild to severe and may include abdominal pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, yellowing of the skin and the whiteness of the eyes.
“While testing and treatment are key to eliminating hepatitis, the Bayelsa state government is also emphasising a strong focus on prevention.
“In collaboration with the World Health Organisation, we have been doing a lot to prevent Hepatitis B among mothers and new-borns through vaccination, Government’s policy of screening of pregnant women for viral hepatitis in the antenatal clinics among others.”
He urged all Bayelsans to take hepatitis test to know their status, saying that the state government is making plans to ensure and support all hospitals to provide free testing and treatment.