Group trains Nasarawa health workers on hepatitis eradication

On Dec 13, 2023

African Union, Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) are partnering with African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) to train 50 health workers in Nasarawa State on Hepatitis eradication.

Dr Ahmed Hamdy, the Executive Director of AU-STRC and AU-ASRIC, which are specialized institutions of the AU, disclosed this in an interview with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Hamdy said that AU-STRC and AU-ASRIC in partnership with ALPA, is organizing practical hands-on training on the implementation of the ASRIC Flagship Project on a village free of hepatitis in Nasarawa State.

He said that the training was in accordance with the implementation of the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Framework on Africa Free of Viral Hepatitis.

Hamdy said, “The training is aimed at strengthening and building the capacity of the Nasarawa State’s 50 health practitioners with the requisite knowledge, competencies and skill to eradicate viral hepatitis.This hands-on capacity building training workshop is the first of its kind and is the pilot phase on addressing the challenges posed by the viral hepatitis. The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the AU Member States and the Nasarawa State’s health practitioners (Local Implementation Committee) numbering about 50. It is a train-the-trainer training to ensure they are practically equipped with the requisite knowledge, competencies and skill to be able to eradicate viral hepatitis in their villages and Member States.”

He said that the training was made possible due to the tripartite partnership between AU-STRC, AU-ASRIC and ALPA, a continental organization aimed at treatment for hepatitis carriers.

Hamdy added, “AU-STRC is a specialised institution of the African Union (AU) that deals with Science, Technology and Innovation. AU-ASRIC, equally a specialised institution of the (AU) is the highest advisory body to the AU on science technology and innovation with the mandate of building and mobilizing research excellence and technical competencies. While African Liver Patient Association (ALPA) is a continental organization whose aim is improving care and treatment for people suffering from hepatitis through the cooperation of its members and the global stakeholders.’’

NAN/Wumi