Available statistics show that, millions of Nigerians are infected with Viral Hepatitis. It is said be about three times, more prevalent than HIV/AIDS.
AIT’s Lamini Chuyeh’s report is on high risk communities in Taraba State, in Northeast Nigeria.
She is also looking at the efforts of Nigeria’s Federal Government, to combat the disease. Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage.
Many vulnerable Nigerians are ignorant of the disease, until it reaches a critical stage.
Rural communities, and for some years now, the rising Internally Displaced persons camps in the Northeast, are high risk areas, due to poor living conditions.
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This is a primary healthcare facility in Kona village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area Of Taraba State.
Since March 2019, the facility has been shared by over 2000 persons displaced by the Jukun-Kona/Fulani crisis.
With at least 20 people to a room, there are chances that the situation could contribute to the prevalence of viral Hepatitis in the State and the country.
The Northeast Development Commission, in partnership with the Yakubu Gowon Centre has reached at least five 5000 persons in Taraba State, with viral Hepatitis screening, vaccination, and treatment.
The partnership aims at bringing down the alarming rate of viral Hepatitis infection, also known as the silent killer in Northeast Nigeria, to the barest minimum.
At least 16 million Nigerians are said to be infected with Hepatitis B and C, and many have not screened, to know their status.
Nigeria is one of 194 countries in the world to adopt the Global Health Sector Strategy for 2016-2021, to end viral Hepatitis B and C.
