The wife to the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu has pledged to support the Hepatitis Advocates Community, a nonprofit organisation, to enhance access to healthcare services.
Mrs. Otu made the pledge when she received a delegation from the organisation on a visit to her in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Otu, who sympathized with the group over the plight of key population and access to healthcare services in the state, said “I am an advocate for effective and free healthcare services to key populations across the state; which is one reason for organising regular medical outreaches.
“Hepatitis needs the collaborative effort of all not just government and non-state actors. We have to collaborate on several levels to ensure we create awareness, educate the people and enhance access to treatment. I can assure you of my commitment to partner with your organisation and I will also ensure that the next medical outreach focuses on hepatitis,” Otu stressed.
She added that, “due to its severity, there is need for effective treatment. I understand that the care for hepatitis is capital intensive and beyond the reach of some persons affected. It is my resolve to contribute alongside similar agencies to reduce the infection rate in Cross River State. I also urge organisations and healthcare professionals to come up with a strategy that would enable us tackle this disease.”
Eradicating hepatitis
The National Coordinator, Hepatitis Advocates Community, Mr. Saint Iwara, said that the visit was to draw the attention of the governor’s wife to the alarming prevalence rate of Hepatitis in the state.
Iwara, who was accompanied on the visit by some medical professionals, representatives from other non-governmental organizations, and individuals directly impacted by Hepatitis, stated “we are here to draw your attention to the alarming prevalence of Hepatitis and its associated health risks in the state.”
According to Iwara, “Cross River lacked adequate resources to combat the disease effectively. So, due to the gravity of the infection rate and its severity, we need funding, which would be utilized to embark on awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, diagnosis, treatment, and support services for Hepatitis patients throughout Cross River State.”
The team lead noted that there was urgent need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to affordable diagnostic tests and medications in the state as early detection and comprehensive treatment would prevent the progression of Hepatitis-related complications as well as improve the overall quality of life for affected individuals.
He expressed the hope that with the commitment of the governor’s wife and the collective efforts of the Hepatitis advocates, Cross River State would be poised to significantly eradicate the disease and ensure a healthier future for citizens.
Olusola Akintonde
