Health professionals have advocated for proactive measures to tackle the spread of hepatitis in Nigeria.
This advocacy was made by a group of pharmacists during a free hepatitis testing and awareness campaign held in Obagie town of Edo State last Friday.
The medical outreach, which was led by Pharmacist Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, alongside four other pharmacists, educated the community on the dangers of hepatitis and the importance of timely vaccination.
Addressing a crowd of residents who assembled to benefit from the free testing and sensitisation, Efeobhokhan underscored the need for proactive health measures to curb the spread of hepatitis, a disease that he said continues to pose a significant public health threat in the country.
“Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, is a silent killer. Many people do not know they are infected until complications arise. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through vaccination,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the health intervention saw over 200 residents of Obagie community benefiting from a free hepatitis testing and awareness campaign spearheaded by the dedicated team of pharmacists.
Efeobhokhan mentioned that the event was aimed to raise awareness about hepatitis and encourage residents to get vaccinated against the viral infection.
Residents, many of whom had never been tested before, took advantage of the free screening exercise.
Among those tested is Mrs. Janet Okoduwa, a 45-year-old trader, who expressed her gratitude for the initiative, saying, “I had never taken a hepatitis test before. I am so grateful for this opportunity because health is wealth. Now, I know my status, and I can take necessary steps to stay healthy.”
The outreach event also saw participation from young people eager to learn about hepatitis prevention. A local youth leader, Peter Uwaifo, praised the initiative and encouraged more organisations to bring health interventions to rural communities.
“Many people here don’t have easy access to medical care. We need more of this kind of programme,” he remarked.
The event was made possible through the commitment and generosity of Innocul8, a company dedicated to expanding access to vaccinations across Nigeria. Pharmacist Emmanuel Egbroko, CEO of Innocul8, emphasised his company’s vision in ensuring widespread vaccination.
“At Innocul8, we believe that no one should suffer from preventable diseases. Our goal is to make vaccines available and accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial status. This outreach is just one of the many initiatives we are supporting to drive hepatitis awareness and prevention,” he said.
Following the awareness talk and testing, participants who tested negative were advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who tested positive were counseled on management options and referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
The pharmacists in attendance took turns addressing various concerns from the residents, dispelling myths surrounding hepatitis, and encouraging adherence to vaccination schedules.
Joshua Idemudia, one of the pharmacists who served as facilitator, noted that misinformation remains a significant barrier to hepatitis prevention.
“Some people still believe hepatitis can be cured with herbal concoctions. It is important for us to continue educating the public that vaccination is the best preventive strategy,” she emphasised.
Another pharmacist, Emmanuel Iziogu, stressed the importance of regular health check-ups, stating that, “Many diseases, including hepatitis, show no immediate symptoms. Getting tested and vaccinated is a proactive approach to safeguarding one’s health.”
