Federal Government launches National Policy for Control of Viral Hepatitis

(L to R) Former Head of State, H.E. General  (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR in a warm handshake with Permanent  Secretary,  Federal  Ministry of Health, (FMOH) Mr. Linus Awute during the  Press Briefing and official launch of the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis, which were part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day

(L to R) Former Head of State, H.E. General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR in a warm handshake with Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, (FMOH) Mr. Linus Awute during the Press Briefing and official launch of the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis, which were part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

(L to R) Former Head of State, H.E. General  (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR in a warm handshake with Permanent  Secretary,  Federal  Ministry of Health, (FMOH) Mr. Linus Awute during the  Press Briefing and official launch of the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis, which were part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day
(L to R) Former Head of State, H.E. General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR in a warm handshake with Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, (FMOH) Mr. Linus Awute during the Press Briefing and official launch of the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis, which were part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day

The Federal Government has launched a National Policy for the Control of Viral Hepatitis as part of the 2015 World Hepatitis Day Programme.

The policy which was facilitated by the World Health Organisation is aimed at controlling the spread of Hepatitis infection in the country.

According to a 2013 WHO report, viral hepatitis is responsible for 1.44 million deaths with an estimated 500 million people currently living with the responsible viruses while the report also indicated that about 2 billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus globally.

Although there is no comprehensive national data in Nigeria, a recent population based survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2013 revealed prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C to be 11.0 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively.

Speaking at the formal launch of the document, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute said Nigeria is the first African country to launch the policy.

The country’s launch of the policy, he said followed its participation at the Global Partnership Conference on Hepatitis in Geneva where a call for action for worldwide response to the infection was made. He said Nigeria had incorporated control of hepatitis into its 2015 -2019 national strategic plan.

On the incidence of hepatitis in Nigeria, Awute noted that in spite of the high prevalence of the infections, most people infected are unaware, thus leading to the danger of the infection becoming chronic after six months and their developing liver problems.

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Awute noted that report has revealed the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary added that Hepatitis A and B are vaccine preventable while hepatitis C is not, but has a new drug treatment that has shown to have high cure rate.

Also speaking at the event, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon pledged the support of his foundation, Yakubu Gowon Centre to efforts aimed at eradicating the infection in the country.

The former Head of State who noted that Nigeria has defeated similar diseases in the past said Nigeria had the greatest number of hepatitis, “whether it is A, B, C, D or E.

He added that the creation of awareness is critical to efforts to tackle hepatitis: “Advocacy for them to know about this disease and test them (the public) for whether they have it or not. The Ministry of Health has set up a policy on what do to achieve the result. And, with that one, I am sure, working together, the country would defeat the disease in the foreseeable future.”

Viral Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by Hepatitis virus A, B, C, D and E. The theme of this year’s event which began last Wednesday is “Prevent Hepatitis, Act Now.”

The Ministry of Health has emphasised the need for public hygiene which includes washing of fruits before eating, avoiding contaminated blood, among others as a way of preventing the infection at a press conference held to kick off the marking of the day Wednesday.

The Federal Ministry of Health Director of Public health who addressed a press conference on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Dr.Bridget Okoeguale said theme underscored the urgency at which the disease should be tackled and the attention that the disease requires.

The Ministry also said though vaccines for the treatment of hepatitis is expensive, collaborative efforts from stakeholders like Yakubu Gowon Centre, Philips Pharmaceuticals and National Health Insurance Scheme, has gone a long way in significantly reducing the cost of treatment.

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