Kano State government has expressed willingness to achieve the goal of the United Nation by eliminating a deadlier Viral Hepatitis by reducing new infections and mortality rates by 90 and 65% respectively through enlightenment campaigns and vaccination.
The Director-General of the State Agency for the Control of Aids, Dr. Sabitu Y. Shu’aibu Shanono made the disclosure t during the commemoration of the world Hepatitis day, celebrated worldwide, with the theme”Hepatitis Free Future” held at sheik Muhammad Jidda General Hospital in Kano.
Dr. Sabitu Shanono said that Hepatitis is a serious viral infection that affects the liver and may cause severe complications later in life, which predominantly affects children between the ages of 5- 15 and manifests at the older age.
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He said the mode of transmission with the virus is very similar to that of HIV/AIDS and to achieve total prevention, pregnant women need to be regular attendants of Antenatal care, to prevent mother to child transmission of the Virus, ensure childhood vaccinations, blood and injection safety as well as harm reduction service.
Dr. Shanono said that out of the total number of people that are freely tested 10 percent have been detected with the virus, and we’re immediately linked up to specialist Hospitals in the state for further investigation and management.
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He Commended Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for improving the health indices toward tackling the menace of both viruses (hepatitis and HIV) by providing the needed support to the agency to carry out its mandate.
Dr. Sabitu Shanono appreciated the support and cooperation of partners like the Association of medical lab scientists council of Nigeria Kano State chapter, ZEMMA Awareness Initiative and Abba Sha’aibu Hepatitis foundation for working hand in hand to achieve a successful campaign and urged individuals to also invest in eliminating hepatitis by presenting themselves for screening.
In a statement signed by Aminu Bello Sani, the agency’s Public relations officer said the state’s hepatitis focal person Hajiya Bilkisu Sale, said the prevalence of hepatitis B in the country was 11 percent and 21.8 million people are positive while 2.2 percent totaling around 4.4 million Nigerians get infected with viral hepatitis C.
