Abuja, 31 July 2015 - Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day for the first time on 30 July, 2015.

The 30 July 2015 date was for the culmination of commemorative activities that started on 28 July with mass screening for hepatitis B and C at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) secretariat followed by a press briefing and official launching of a national policy for viral hepatitis control in Nigeria.

At the press briefing, the Permanent Secretary in the FMOH, Mr. Linus Awute, highlighted that the country adopted theme of “Prevent Hepatitis-Act now”, to emphasize the concern to Nigeria in light of the estimated 11.0 % and 2.2 % of the population that are infected with hepatitis B and C respectively and who are mostly not aware of their status.

He called for urgent action to deal with the high burden of viral hepatitis in the country pointing out that “most of the predisposing health risks for viral hepatitis are avoidable through adequate awareness, behavioral change and screening of blood for transfusion”.

While launching the National Policy for the Control of Viral Hepatitis in Nigeria, he applauded WHO for the contributions made towards the finalization and printing of the national viral hepatitis policy document. 

He further thanked Nigeria’s  former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was present at the event, for his relentless efforts in guinea worm eradication and for accepting to be a lead advocate for viral hepatitis control in Nigeria.

On his part, Dr Rex Mpazanje, who represented the WHO Representative to Nigeria at the event, commended the government of Nigeria for continued leadership in viral hepatitis control in the Region. He stated that Nigeria was among the first countries to introduce the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine into routine immunization schedules and is also taking a pioneering role in having a national policy for viral hepatitis control.

He however highlighted the need to scale up other effective prevention strategies against hepatitis B and C which include: vaccinating health workers and at risk populations, harm reduction practises for people who inject drugs, ensuring safe blood transfusions; safe injection practices; safe sex; and strengthening infection control practices in all health facilities. 

“The need exists to expand screening and treatment services as there are medicines to cure hepatitis C and treat hepatitis B.  The issue of stigma and discrimination also needs to be addressed and nipped in the bud before it becomes a barrier to people seeking screening and treatment services” Dr Mpazanje stated.

Lastly, he called on the government to ensure adequate domestic resources for the Nigerian viral hepatitis programme in order to ensure ownership as well as the involvement of everyone from health providers to the communities in order to prevent further spread of hepatitis epidemics.

________________________________________

For more information, please contact:

Dr Rex Mpazanje; Tel: +234 803 638 9632; Email: mpazanjer [at] who.int (mpazanjer[at]who[dot]int)
Dr Oluwafunke; Tel: +234 903 722 8596; Email: ilesanmio [at] who.int (ilesanmio[at]who[dot]int)