The Kwara State Government on Friday commenced screening of hepatitis B and C, expected to cover the 16 Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of the screening, at the College of Education, Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of the state, Oluwatosin Fakayode, a Medical Doctor and Director of Public Health, Kwara Ministry of Health says the screening is to afford people to know their status.
According to him, the scourge of hepatitis in Nigeria is real, as recent studies shown rising case of hepatitis diseases, particularly among young people.
He explains hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver, which is commonly caused by a viral infection and also sexually transmitted disease.
Adding that, this year theme is tagged ‘towards finding the missing millions’ as lots of people are out there who are not aware of their status.
Fakayode explained further that the screening includes blood test, distribution of condoms and other commodities, as well as health talk on sexual behaviours and dangers of contracting hepatitis.
He enjoins staffs and students of the college to cooperate with the health workers involved in the screening exercise.
Also speaking, Moshood Anafi the chief Nursing officer, Kwara State College of Education Lafiagi, Commended the Kwara State government for the free hepatitis screening.
Anafi advised the staffs and students of the institution to engage in the screening exercise to know their status, adding that if the test is positive there is still remedy.
The medical team earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Haliru Kawu-Sa’adu.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
