The Lagos State Government has commenced a four-day residential training program aimed at enhancing the capacity of medical officers in secondary health facilities for improved management of viral hepatitis cases. The training, organized by the Ministry of Health with support from the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), kicked off on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Orchid Hotel, Lekki.

The Director of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, in her welcome address, emphasized the significance of the training in tackling viral hepatitis, a highly infectious disease of public health importance. “This training will equip medical officers with adequate knowledge and skills to manage patients with viral hepatitis in general hospitals across Lagos State,” she stated.

She added that the program aims to ensure access to care in all health facilities, a step toward achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. “This residential training program, scheduled to end on Thursday, November 28, 2024, aligns with the state’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and achieve sustainable health outcomes. It will also pave the way for subsequent training sessions involving laboratory scientists and other healthcare personnel,” she said.

Dr. Egunjobi reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that every Lagosian has access to quality healthcare services. “We are a responsible government, and this training is a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare delivery,” she said.

She noted that the Lagos State Hepatitis control program would also involve community awareness initiatives, screenings, and vaccinations to enhance prevention and management efforts. “Prevention is always better,” she said, urging healthcare workers to step down the knowledge gained during the training to their colleagues and communities.

In her opening remarks, the Coordinator of SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, stressed the urgency of addressing the knowledge gap among healthcare workers regarding viral hepatitis. She revealed that the disease remains a silent killer and called for increased awareness and proactive measures.

“Many healthcare workers, including doctors, lack sufficient knowledge about viral hepatitis, and this training is a step toward bridging that gap,” she said. She also shared a personal story of losing her sister-in-law to the disease, underlining the importance of early detection and management.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment, Dr. Erinosho commended Lagos State for being the first in Nigeria to initiate screening and vaccination for healthcare workers against viral hepatitis. “This milestone sensitized healthcare workers on the importance of knowing their status and getting vaccinated,” she remarked.

Dr. Erinosho noted that the training is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to build a well-equipped healthcare workforce capable of managing viral hepatitis at all levels of care. She urged participants to be advocates of change, disseminating key information to communities to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

The training also features seasoned facilitators, including Prof. Casimir Omuemu, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The facilitators will provide participants with hands-on and updated information on managing viral hepatitis, including adherence to national guidelines.

In his presentation, Prof. Casimir Omuemu, a leading Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), underscored the importance of early detection and timely intervention in managing viral hepatitis. He encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge in their daily practice.

He described viral hepatitis as a “silent killer” that demands urgent attention, revealing that one in every 12 people is affected by hepatitis, often without noticeable symptoms until complications arise. “This complacency is dangerous,” Prof. Omuemu warned. He urged Nigerians to prioritize testing and vaccination, which are critical to protecting themselves, their families, and future generations from the disease.

Prof. Omuemu commended the training initiative, noting the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating hepatitis. He stressed the importance of continuous education for healthcare professionals to stay updated on new advancements. “The diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis are evolving, and healthcare providers must be adequately equipped to identify complications and know the facilities available for proper management,” he said.

For healthcare professionals, Prof. Omuemu encouraged regular testing, vaccination, and participation in workshops to enhance their capacity to manage hepatitis. Addressing the public, he said, “You cannot live next door to a silent killer and feel comfortable. Early detection is cheaper and less painful than dealing with complications like cancer and liver failure.” He called for collective action to tackle hepatitis and safeguard the health of Nigerians for a stronger future.

Speaking in the same vein, Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), emphasized the grave public health threat posed by viral hepatitis during the training workshop.

She explained that the infection, which can progress from acute to chronic liver disease, is a leading cause of liver failure and primary liver cancer worldwide. “In Nigeria, Hepatitis B stands out as the most significant, responsible for many of the long-term liver diseases,” she noted.

Dr. Igetei lamented the lack of awareness and late presentation of patients in Nigeria, often due to limited access to healthcare infrastructure and inadequate follow-up by those diagnosed. Dr. Igetei expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress in managing liver diseases, citing ongoing discussions to establish liver transplantation centers in the country.

However, she stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy. “These infections and their devastating consequences are preventable,” she reiterated, urging healthcare providers to prioritize early detection, patient education, and vaccination.

Dr. Igetei underscored the importance of early detection and patient education. “If every doctor talks to their patients about knowing their hepatitis status, it will significantly reduce the long-term consequences of chronic infections,” she said.

Participants at the training, drawn from Lagos State General Hospitals, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their expertise. They acknowledged that the training will help improve service delivery and reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease.

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