World Hepatitis Day: Lawmaker Advocates Periodic Testing, Treatment To Achieve Global Elimination

A member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa constituency 02 on Tuesday said low coverage testing and treatment are most  important gaps to be addressed in order to achieve the global elimination goals by 2030.

He said this in a statement made available to AFRICAN NEWS TODAY in commemoration of this year world hepatitis day. Saying it is expedient for Nigerians to know their health status, which would enable them to detect any symptoms of the disease at early stage.

According to him, some people don’t border about their health status because they see themselves being strong and hargile but that is not enough reason not to go for medical checkup. This also contribute to untimely death.

Yishawu, Chairman ad-hoc Committee on Budget stressed that  governments at  all levels are doing their best to equip healthcare centres and bringing it closer to the people.

He appealed to Nigerians to take their health status serious and create time for medical checkup, while he gave hope to patients of hepatitis and pray for quick recovery for them.

It was reported that Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year. It is the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis, and 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV. Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services.

During World Hepatitis Day 2019 campaign, WHO is urging all countries and partners to promote the theme “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”. WHO will release new estimates for additional investments needed to achieve globally agreed hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, in the context of the universal health coverage.