The Federal Government has assured citizens of its commitment to take necessary steps in reducing the prevalence of Hepatitis in the country. The assurances were conveyed Saturday by the Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, the 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Guild of Medical Directors, GMD, in Abuja, themed ‘Let’s Make Nigeria Hepatitis Free.’
The Federal Government has assured citizens of its commitment to take necessary steps in reducing the prevalence of Hepatitis in the country.
The assurances were conveyed Saturday by the Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, the 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Guild of Medical Directors, GMD, in Abuja, themed ‘Let’s Make Nigeria Hepatitis Free.’
The Health Minister, who is currently attending the World Health Assembly in Geneva, was represented at the event by the Director, Hospital Services, Joseph Amedu. He said the conference was appropriate, as it would create the necessary awareness on the menace of viral Hepatitis.
“This will in no small measure reduce the dangers associated with lack of knowledge of the disease and prevent it from reaching epidemic levels like meningitis and the Ebola virus.’’
Mr. Adewole also solicited the support of the Guild as a critical partner in achieving the healthcare delivery in the country, especially as operators of private hospitals.
“I therefore urge you all to reciprocate government’s gesture of Public Private Partnership with dedication and commitment to your duty of care and shun situation that will make you abandon your responsibilities.
“Let us work together in peace and harmony to give the health sector the change the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration intends for the health sector,” he said.
In a keynote address, Chukwuma Anyaike, a Consultant Public Health Physician, called for increased awareness of hepatitis and provision of safe and effective vaccines in the country.
“The key intervention to make the country free from hepatitis is to prevent mother to child transmission of the disease.
“Others are safe injection practices and safe blood as well as safer sex which include the use of condoms to prevent the disease,” he said.
Mr. Anyaike called for partnership with government, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector to reduce the menace of the disease.
