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Abuja, July 30, 2019 – While Nigeria and other countries commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2019 (July 28) under the theme "Investing in the elimination of hepatitis "Stakeholders agree that early detection and childhood vaccination will reduce the burden of the disease by 2030.
As part of the commemorative events, a ministerial press conference held on July 30, 2019, during which the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Alhaji Abdullahi Mashi, said: "It is sad to note that Nigeria bears a huge viral burden. hepatitis".
The PS released the preliminary results of the viral hepatitis component of the recently completed Nigeria Indicator and Impact of HIV / AIDS Survey (NAIIS). The survey found a national prevalence of 8.1% for hepatitis B and 1.1% for hepatitis C for 15 to 64 year olds. HIV / HBV co-infection and HIV / HCV co-infection rates were 9.6% and 1.0%, respectively, among people living with HIV (PHAs) aged 15 to 49 years.
The PS was represented by Dr. Evelyn Ngige, Health Director of the event, who highlighted the debilitating diseases that hepatitis B infection causes and often results in death if they are not caught. and treated quickly. She said, "Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer." She encouraged all Nigerians to get tested and to know their hepatitis status. She thanked the WHO for its commendable support in the fight against hepatitis in Nigeria. She said that with this support, the country had all the necessary tools and that efforts had already been made at the state level to expand access to diagnostic and treatment services for the country. viral hepatitis.
In his address at the press conference, Dr. Clement Peter Lugala, Senior Representative, represented by Dr. Rex Mpazanje, congratulated the Government of Nigeria for its comprehensive program of hepatitis B vaccination including birth dose. and the pentavalent in the country. national calendar of immunization of children. "We believe that childhood vaccinations will go a long way towards reducing the burden of viral hepatitis B among the vaccinated population by 2030",
"We also wish to congratulate the Nigerian Government for its decision to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025. This will further contribute to the fight against hepatitis A and HIV / AIDS. Hepatitis E, which are largely caused by environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene. In addition, WHO is proud to be part of the partnership that has increased the availability and affordability of hepatitis B and hepatitis C treatments. To realize the benefits of these benefits, he called for a culture of routine hepatitis screening, especially for those generations who do not benefit from childhood hepatitis B vaccination, and has enlisted national stakeholders in Nigeria by 2030. "
There are five key viruses responsible for viral hepatitis, identified by the letters A to E. Viral hepatitis A and E mainly cause acute illness; supportive treatment is therefore administered to those who fall very ill to prevent the worsening of acute illness. Viral hepatitis B and C cause chronic diseases that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and cancer. Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted by unsafe water and poor personal hygiene, while hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood and other body fluids.
Technical contact:
Dr. Rex Mpazanje; Email: [email protected]; +234 803 6389 632
Dr. Ilesanmi, Oluwafunke; Email: [email protected]; +234 807 7590 066
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Mrs. Charity Warigon
Tel: +234 810 221 0093
Email: [email protected]
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