Research has shown that 9 in every 10 Nigerians who live with hepatitis B virus are unaware of their infection status, and are not receiving treatment for the deadly disease.
This is one of the reasons why “PROJECT PINK BLUE, a health and psychological trust centre carried out its sensitisation campaign to Kuje, a community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
July 28 of every year is observed as World Hepatitis Awareness Day.
Research however shows that an estimated 20 million Nigerians live with Hepatitis B, C or both, and more than 80 percent of these people do not know their status.
Viral Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer
This sensitization campaign in Kuje, a community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. is, to educate rural dwellers on the dangers of Hepatitis and the need for early detection and treatment.
A medical Doctor, Livinus Luka, insists that Hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cancer, hence the need for early detection and treatment.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed joy for the choice of their community and promised to pass the knowledge acquired to friends and family members.
Similar outreach is also expected to take place in 4 other communities in Abuja to stimulate action against cancer and promote early diagnosis.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
