Group conducts Hepatitis sensitisation in Billiri, as royal fathers, others voluntarily accept to test
To commemorate world hepatitis day 2022, the Gombe State Agency for the Control of Aids GOMSACA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, SUFABEL Community Developent Initiative and some other partners held a sensitisation programme in Tangland and Tal districts in Billiri Local Government Area.
Periscope Nigeria reports that World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis; a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E to encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Our correspondent reports that based on World Health Organisation declaration 2022 Hepatitis theme: is bringing Hepatitis care closer to you.
The group commenced with a rally from Tangland to Tal where specialists enlightened the people on prevention and treatment of hepatitis.
The GOMSACA Social Mobilisation Officer Mahmood ELnafaty said hepatitis is related to HIV but more dangerous because of its mode of infection.
According to him, no fewer than 600 persons would be tested, adding that Hepatitis could be managed when detected early.
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He said, “Mode of transmission include blood to blood contact with infected persons, bodily fluids among others.
“Test and vaccine will be administered free of charge to people who avail themselves and are negative, while those positive will be linked to a health facility for treatment.”
Also Speaking, A Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Primary Health Care Development Agency Yila Adamu said based on sentinel survey carried out between 2010-2012, more awareness would be required to stem the tide of hepatitis.
Adamu revealed that Gombe has the prevalence rate of 22.0 percent of Hepatitis B and 2.2 percent of Hepatitis C.
“One out of 12 persons has hepatitis, that is why we are trying to make sure that more persons become aware,” Adamu said.
On his part, Mai Tangle Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba who volunteered to be tested during a courtesy visit by the group, stressed the importance of the people to know their hepatitis status .
He appreciated the choice of Billiri for the awareness creation and assured support for the success of the event.
The District Heads of Tangland Abdu Tahir, Tal Shuaibu Anampara and their village heads also availed themselves to be tested, while urging their subjects to know their hepatitis status for prevention and treatment depending on the outcome of the result.
