In a bid to eliminate the deadly Hepatitis B and C virus in Nasarawa State by 2030, the state government, in partnership with the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, has launched a Viral Hepatitis Free Village Campaign. Acting governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, announced the commencement of testing and treatment for residents infected with the virus in all 13 local government areas of the state. The program kicked off in Doma LGA, where high cases of viral hepatitis have been recorded over the years.
Dr Akabe urged residents to participate in the testing and treatment programs, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unsterilized sharp objects and unscreened blood products. The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, also pledged the hospital’s commitment to improving the well-being of all state residents.
The medical outreach program aims to reach 6,000 individuals in each LGA, with full support from the state government. The event was attended by government officials and dignitaries, with a Volkswagen Sharon Bus presented to the medical team. Additionally, the state government allocated N100 million to combat the spread of the virus across the state.
This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to public health and the well-being of its residents, marking a significant step towards eradicating hepatitis in Nasarawa State.