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The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, has said that the state has subsided Hepatitis C test and vaccinated over 5,000 residents to reduce the impact of Hepatitis on the population.
He stated this at a symposium held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.
He stated that the WHO Global Hepatitis report showed a higher prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Lagos than the national average.
A statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Ogboye, emphasised that the fight against viral Hepatitis must be intensified to curb the spread of the virus.
The 2024 World Health Organisation Global Hepatitis Report indicates that deaths resulting from viral Hepatitis have become the second leading cause of death, with about 1.3 million deaths annually, globally, 100 times more than HIV/AIDS.
To further raise awareness of viral hepatitis, World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year.
He added that the state government launched the Hepatitis Control Programme in 2017 with a dedicated budget to mitigate Hepatitis.
Ogboye said, “The state government has provided access to Hepatitis C viral load testing at subsidised prices. The 435 HCV viral load tests have been performed in two diagnostic facilities in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
“The state government has also screened and vaccinated about 5,000 individuals, primarily health workers, across the state.
“The state government has provided access to Hepatitis C Viral Load testing at subsidised prices. About 435 Hepatitis C Viral Load tests have been performed thus far in two diagnostic facilities in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
"Recently, the state has also provided screening and vaccination for over 5,000 persons, mainly healthcare workers, complemented by extensive community outreach programmes.”
Ogboye commended stakeholders for supporting the state government in this effort and assured them of continuous engagement in the prevention and control of the disease.
