Lagos announces free hepatitis screening for residents
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has announced its readiness to provide free hepatitis screening for residents in the state.
The government also noted that it is committed to supporting hepatitis vaccination and treatment in Lagos.
According to the ministry, “This is in a bid for the government to ensure universal health coverage, built on a sustainable primary health care system for Lagosians.”
After the walk, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye noted that the dedication of the state government to healthcare services is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. goal of the current administration.
He noted that the government is committed to improving the prevention, control, and management of hepatitis in Lagos.
He said, “Lagos State Government is determined more than ever to bring this scourge of hepatitis to an end by providing free Hepatitis awareness, screening and vaccination programmes which aligns with the State T.H.E.M.E.S. goal targeted at improving the prevention, control and management of diseases while reducing the incidence and impact of public health emergencies.”
Ogboye further explained that the theme of the 2022 World Hepatitis Day, “Bringing Hepatitis care closer to you,” implies that hepatitis is a life-threatening disease that waits for no one, adding that it is a reminder of the urgency to end Hepatitis by bringing hepatitis care closer to citizens through awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
“The theme is also reminding us of the commitment to eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a public health menace by reducing its incidence and mortality rates by 95 per cent and 65 per cent respectively by the year 2030 which is achievable.”
Hepatitis is an infection of the liver which causes inflammation and damage.
Ogboye added, “The State Government through the Ministry of Health has demonstrated a health approach to the management of hepatitis across the cascade of screening, diagnostics and treatment including; free screening of patients using the World Health Organisation-prequalified rapid test kits for Hepatitis B and C.”
According to him, screening, vaccination, and treatment for Hepatitis B and C are currently ongoing in the various outpatient departments of the State healthcare facilities such as the medical outpatients, ante-natal, surgical outpatient, and paediatrics units amongst others.
“In addition, screening is done for blood and blood products that are utilised for blood transfusion and these are coordinated and regulated by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services to ensure blood safety,” he said.
While receiving his second jab of the hepatitis vaccine immediately after the awareness walk, Ogboye implored Lagosians to make themselves available for hepatitis screening, treatment, and vaccination to help early detection, prevention, and management of the disease.
“Hepatitis vaccine is available in our general hospitals and you need to take three doses. The other thing is to also notice quickly when you have hepatitis. Yellow eyes and persistent fatigue are some of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis. So let’s take advantage of the screening and vaccines that are available in our health facilities.”
