Kwara Sets 2030 Target to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis

The Kwara State Government has launched a new roadmap aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the state by 2030.

The “Let’s Break It Down” Viral Hepatitis Elimination Roadmap, unveiled in Ilorin, focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and public awareness.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, said the initiative aligns with the World Health Organisation’s 2030 hepatitis elimination targets. She noted that Nigeria accounts for about 15 per cent of the global Hepatitis B burden, with an estimated 20 million Nigerians living with chronic Hepatitis B or C.

Under the roadmap, the state plans to expand hepatitis screening, improve Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination and integrate hepatitis services into primary healthcare centres, maternal and child health services, and HIV/TB clinics.

The government also plans to decentralise treatment through primary healthcare centres and general hospitals while strengthening surveillance and data collection to track infections and treatment outcomes.

Health officials urged traditional, religious and community leaders to increase awareness and encourage residents to undergo early testing.

The state’s HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Other STIs Control Unit also stressed the importance of prevention and early treatment, noting that many people infected with Hepatitis B may not know their status.

Kwara State said the ultimate goal of the roadmap is to significantly reduce hepatitis infections and eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share