As the world marks World Hepatitis Day, officials in Ondo State, Nigeria, have raised concerns over the discovery of a peculiar strain of hepatitis infection among patients. The revelation came during a sensitization road walk in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday.
Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, disclosed this information while addressing the press.
He stated, “The state government has observed that there is a peculiarity in the viral hepatitis that we have in the state. We have seen people with low viral load in hepatitis coming up with complications.”
Mr. Odimayo explained the unusual nature of this discovery, noting, “Ordinarily, the low viral load by the European Community for Hepatitis does not need treatment. But in our own case, these patients with low viral load are coming with complications of hepatitis like liver cancer.”
To address this concern, the state government plans to conduct thorough investigations. “Patients will undergo viral loading and genotyping, while the samples will be sent for sequencing. This will enable us to know the peculiarity of hepatitis we are having here,” Mr. Odimayo explained.
The Explainer learned, the state government has initiated a free hepatitis screening program, aiming to test at least 3,000 people across the state.
Mr. Odimayo emphasized, “Residents who test positive for hepatitis would be structured for further tests and possible commencement of treatment.”
Banji Ajaka, the State Commissioner for Health, provided additional context on hepatitis and the government’s efforts to combat it. He described hepatitis as “a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and affecting its ability to function properly.”
Mr. Ajaka outlined the various types of hepatitis, focusing on the most common ones of public health concern: Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. He explained, “Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It is often associated with poor sanitation. Hepatitis B and C are usually transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids such as blood and sexual fluids.”
ALSO READ: LG Autonomy: Ondo State Awaits CTC of S/Court Judgment – Official
The commissioner stressed the importance of prevention strategies, including immunization, blood screening, and proper sterilization of medical instruments. He advised pregnant women to undergo Hepatitis B screening and deliver in hospitals to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28th, aims to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis and promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This year’s theme, “It’s time to act,” focuses on improving access to diagnosis and treatment.
The Ondo State government’s proactive approach in identifying and addressing this peculiar strain of hepatitis aligns with the global effort to combat the disease.
