The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute has officially launched the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis as part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day in the effort to join the global community in preventing and effectively managing hepatitis.
In his address at the occasion, Linus Awute pointed out that Nigeria is the first African country to have a National Policy on Viral Hepatitis; noting that this feat represents one of the most befitting legacies from Nigeria's relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO).
He also informed that a National Technical Working Group has been constituted to provide technical assistance to the programme.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that a press briefing is useful to create awareness globally on the dangers of the silent killer as well as the ways to prevent and manage the disease.
While stressing that the impact of hepatitis caused partly by commonly practiced human activities has made it important to act now so that Nigerian citizens can be protected from the disease, he informed that much of the predisposing health risk is avoidable through adequate awareness creation, behavioural change, education and adhering to effective screening of every blood collected before transfusion.
"The Ministry has joint responsibility to move hepatitis control in Nigeria to the next level. This is why the Federal Ministry of Health is using this medium to commence the required health alliances with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education," he said eulogizing the former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon (General Rtd), who is the goodwill ambassador for hepatitis.
In his remarks at the occasion, the former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon thanked the Ministry for inviting him and his centre to partner with the Ministry to combat hepatitis scourge. He also commended the Ministry for eradicating Guinea Worm, Polio and Ebola.
The Director of Public Health in the Federal Ministry of Health, Bridget Okoeguale (Dr) in her welcome address said that the Ministries of Environment and Education are teaming up with the Federal Ministry of Health to tackle the problem of hepatitis in a holistic manner. He also disclosed that the theme of the World Hepatitis Day 2015 is "Prevent Hepatitis – Act Now.
Source: fed. Ministry of information
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