KWSG Marks World Hepatitis Day

(The Chairman House Committee on Health and Environment Hon. Rasaq Owolabi (Middle) Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-lmam (Right) the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim (left) at the 2024 Hepatitis Screening Centre.)

…Urges Kwarans to attend free screening

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards having an hepatitis free society as it declared free screenings for over 5,000 residents. 

The declaration was made today by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam during an hepatitis symposium held at the Ministry’s headquarters today as part of its activities to commemorate the 2024 World Hepatitis Day. 

The Commissioner announced the initiative during an event organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) themed "It's Time for Action," which was intended to raise awareness and promote proactive health measures.

"Our government is launching a mass screening campaign across the state to detect hepatitis early," stated Dr. El-Imam during a media briefing. "Over 5,000 individuals, including newborns, will undergo screenings in the coming days to commemorate World Hepatitis Day," she added.

Highlighting the State's ongoing commitment to public health, Dr. El-Imam emphasized that the Hepatitis B vaccine was part of efforts to strengthen routine immunization schedules and underscored efforts to prevent disease transmission to ensure the well-being of citizens.

In addition to screenings, Dr El-Imam noted that individuals who test positive will receive immediate care to manage their condition and mitigate associated health risks. 

The Commissioner stressed the importance of preventive measures, urging residents to avoid risky cultural practices and seek medical care promptly.

The Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode echoed these sentiments, noting that "awareness is key to combating hepatitis, a disease that poses significant health threats. We must educate our communities on prevention and encourage vaccination against Hepatitis B, a preventable illness," he said.

 Also Speaking at the event, the program Manager HIV/ and Aids. Dr. Muhammad Rasheed, highlighted the severity of hepatitis viruses B and C, advocating for widespread vaccination against Hepatitis B and adopting preventive practices.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Rasaq Owolabi pledged legislative support for increased healthcare funding in the upcoming 2025 budget, reaffirming the government's commitment to enhancing quality healthcare delivery in Kwara State.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's administration has consistently allocated counterpart funds to bolster health initiatives, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens. 

Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, representatives of health partners, amongst others.



Press Secretary
Falade Gbenga
MoH
08935127868

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