World Hepatitis Day: Gov.’s Wife takes Hepatitis campaign to Enugu South

The Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has taken the state’s hepatitis campaign to Enugu South Local Government Area to escalate awareness on the dangers of the disease amongst the people.

Supreme news reports that the launch of the campaign was performed by the Office of the Governor’s Wife, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, at the council’s headquarters, Uwani, Enugu.

Speaking at the event, Mbah, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs Chidimma Egeonu, addressed the critical issue of stigma, burden and neglect around hepatitis.

She also discussed how social silence on the disease had continued to hinder early diagnosis and treatment, particularly among women and young people.

“Viral hepatitis is like a cankerworm quietly eating into our society.

“If we want to end it, we must begin with sensitising women, especially through antenatal care, where early screening can save lives,” she said.

She pledged to collaborate closely with community leaders to ensure that its treatment became both accessible and affordable, thereby reducing the barriers that continue to hinder progress in the fight against the scourge.

The governor’s wife emphasised continuous public health education to dispel myths and encourage action.

“People often suffer in silence due to ignorance and the lack of awareness.

“We must change that narrative,” she said.

Earlier, the council Chairman, Mr Caleb Ani, thanked Mbah “for championing such a vital public health initiative.

“We are grateful to Her Excellency for prioritising the health of our people through this proactive campaign.

“Education and awareness are key to fighting silent killers like hepatitis,” Ani said.

Also, the Deputy Chairman of the council, Mr Tony Egbo, also commended the initiative and highlighted its inclusiveness and long-term impact.

Supreme news reports that the World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, primarily caused by viral infections.

Supreme news also report that the five main types of Hepatitis include A, B, C, D, and E, each with its distinct causes and severity.

Hepatitis B remains the most worrisome due to its high rate of transmission through blood contact, unprotected sex, shared needles, and from mother to child during childbirth.

According to statistics, Nigeria remains a high-burden country, with a prevalence rate of approximately 9.5 per cent, a figure health experts describe as troubling.

The awareness campaign was used to promote preventive measures in the council Area.