Kwara State launches Hepatitis screening in 16 LGAs

The Kwara State Government has begun hepatitis screening, which is expected to cover the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Director, Public Health, Kwara Ministry of Health,Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, stated this at the sidelines of the exercise at the College of Education, Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area.

Fakayode said the screening, which would be focused on diagnosing for Hepatitis B and C, was intended to enable members of the public to discover their status early for effective treatment.

According to him, recent studies have shown prevalence of rising hepatitis diseases in the country, particularly among young persons.

He said the theme for this year’s edition of the screening exercise is, “Towards Finding the Missing Millions.”

The director said the theme was most appropriate because many people were wallowing in ignorance, and not aware their status,” he said.

Fakayode further said that apart from blood test, the exercise would feature health talks, distribution of condoms, and other items to members of the public.

In his speech, Moshood Anafi, Chief Nursing officer, Kwara state College of Education, Lafiagi, commended the state government for the gesture.

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver, which is commonly caused by a viral infection, it can also be sexually transmitted.

L.Nasir