Stakeholders praise the AU-free hepatitis intervention programme.

Stakeholders in the Nasarawa State health sector have praised the free hepatitis intervention provided by the African Liver Patient Association, African Scientific Research and Innovation Council, and African Union Scientific, Technical, and Research Commission.

In the Shabu community of Nasarawa State, free testing, counselling, treatment, medication, and vaccinations are all part of the intervention.

Dr. Ibrahim Adamu, the director of public health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, praised AU and ALPA for taking a stance that brings hepatitis care and treatment closer to the communities.

In a Friday interview with NAN in Shabu, Adamu, Lafia stated that Nasarawa State was ready and willing to collaborate in order to fulfil the task of eradicating viral hepatitis.

He claimed that some people with hepatitis had been discouraged from seeking medical attention because of the high cost of treating the illness, particularly those living in rural areas.

According to Adamu, knowledge about hepatitis can result in early detection, which can save lives.

Our state’s elimination strategy, which is based on the four guiding principles of “plan wisely, test smart, cure-all, and prevent new cases,” is how we are tackling these issues.

“The goal of the intervention is not for the work to stop; it is a pilot project in Nigeria that included sensitization sessions and trainers were trained so that the work continues,” he said.

According to Adamu, the elimination plan is concentrated on locating cases as efficiently as possible, treating patients who have been identified, and implementing preventative measures in regions with higher transmission rates.

Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the commissioner of health for Nasarawa State, praised the efforts of all parties involved in the fight against hepatitis, including foreign allies like the AU and ALPA.

He declared, “We are aware that the government cannot combat the epidemic of viral hepatitis on its own.”

He praised the partners for making sure that those who were found to be positive were receiving free care, and for providing free vaccinations to those who tested negative.

“Creating access to care and treatment and sensitising people to preventive measures was a crucial part of the programme,” he stated.

Hepatitis awareness was urged by Dr. Ruth Bello, Executive Director of the Nasarawa State HIV/AIDS Control Agency, who also noted that “Hepatitis C remains curable.”

She praised the free screenings and medical attention provided to all attendees at the Shabu intervention site.

Everyone in attendance received testing, care, and education on how to halt the spread.

“To guarantee that hepatitis diagnostics and curative treatments are easily accessible, there have also been collaborative efforts with the partners and the State,” she added.