The Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), in partnership with the Kwara State Ministry of Health, has intensified efforts to combat viral hepatitis through a public awareness campaign held at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
The sensitisation programme, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” focused on educating residents about the prevention, early detection and treatment of viral hepatitis.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr Bola Abdulkadir, described hepatitis as a disease that often progresses unnoticed but can be prevented and effectively managed when detected early.
“Hepatitis is a silent but preventable disease. Regular screening, vaccination and early treatment are essential to reducing complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer,” he said.
Abdulkadir reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat in Kwara State through sustained awareness, screening and improved access to care.
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Also addressing participants, Mrs Alaya Gbemisola, the Hepatitis Desk Officer at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, urged residents to take advantage of available testing and vaccination services.
“Creating awareness, encouraging early diagnosis and ensuring access to treatment are critical steps towards eliminating viral hepatitis. We encourage everyone to know their hepatitis status,” she said.
Participants also received health education from Dr Bababode Bojuwoye of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), who explained the causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, prevention and management of viral hepatitis.
The exercise also featured free hepatitis screening, medical tests and counselling services for members of the public. Health professionals further educated participants on healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical checks in preventing liver-related diseases.
The awareness campaign formed part of ongoing efforts by KWASUTH and the Kwara State Ministry of Health to improve public knowledge of hepatitis and support national and global targets for eliminating the disease as a public health concern.
