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Lagos expands free hepatitis screening and vaccination drive
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Lagos expands free hepatitis screening and vaccination drive

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Lagos State Government is expanding free viral hepatitis screening, vaccination, and awareness campaigns in Ikorodu, Isolo, and Ajeromi.
  • The initiative aims to increase public awareness about viral hepatitis, a leading cause of death from infectious diseases, and encourage residents to know their status.
  • Free Hepatitis B and C testing is offered, with free Hepatitis B vaccination for those testing negative, and positive cases referred for treatment.

The Lagos State Government is intensifying its fight against viral hepatitis with expanded free screening, vaccination, and awareness campaigns across Ikorodu, Isolo, and Ajeromi. The initiative, timed with World Hepatitis Day, offers residents free testing for Hepatitis B and C, counseling, and vaccination.

Hepatitis is one of the highest causes of death among infectious diseases, and because of the low level of awareness, the ministry is educating residents.

— Dr Oladipupo FisherExplaining the importance of the awareness campaign.

Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, State AIDS Programme Coordinator, highlighted the critical need for public awareness, noting that viral hepatitis is among the deadliest infectious diseases. "Hepatitis is one of the highest causes of death among infectious diseases, and because of the low level of awareness, the ministry is educating residents," he stated. The ministry is utilizing various platforms, including radio and social media, to reach a wider audience, especially younger demographics.

When they get the first dose, they should return after one month for the second dose and six months after the first dose.

— Dr Oladipupo FisherDetailing the vaccination schedule for Hepatitis B.

Residents testing negative for Hepatitis B receive free vaccination, though Fisher emphasized the necessity of completing the three-dose regimen for full protection. Those who test positive are referred to specialized facilities for management by gastroenterologists to prevent progression to liver cancer. The state has also increased funding for hepatitis services and has already vaccinated 5,000 healthcare workers due to occupational risks.

Whoever does not complete the three doses is not fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

— Dr Oladipupo FisherEmphasizing the importance of completing the vaccination series.

Lagos has equipped 28 health facilities to provide viral hepatitis services. While Hepatitis C is curable, its expensive treatment underscores the importance of prevention, vaccination, and early diagnosis. The government acknowledges the support of development partners and pharmaceutical companies like Emzor and Abbott for providing essential vaccines and testing kits, stressing the need for collaboration beyond government resources.

The earlier they start treatment, the better, so that the disease does not progress to liver cancer.

— Dr Oladipupo FisherStressing the need for early treatment for positive cases.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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