FG Develops Framework To End Hepatitis By 2030

The Federal Government said it has developed a National Strategic Framework for eliminating viral hepatitis in the country by 2030.

The Federal Government said the framework is in line with the Global Health Sector Strategy for viral hepatitis control.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday in commemoration of the 2022 World Hepatitis Day, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said Nigeria is one of the first counties to have achieved this in a short time.

Calling on Nigerians to get tested, Ehanire said nearly 20 million people are infected with Hepatitis B or C. According to him, viral hepatitis remains a public health threat, especially hepatitis B and C, which cause chronic infection with attendant morbidity and mortality.

He said despite the significant rates of infection, there is very low awareness about the infection. World Hepatitis Day is observed July 28 annually and this year’s theme is, Bringing hepatitis care close to you.

He added that, the ministry with support from its partners is taking concrete steps to ensure that hepatitis care is indeed brought closer to every Nigerian.

The minister also flagged off the National Hepatitis Awareness Campaign with the theme: Beat hepatitis, get tested, get treated.

“This is a call to every Nigerian to join hands in the effort to eliminate hepatitis. It is a call to every individual to take personal action by getting tested. Also for collective action in helping to spread the message of prevention and access to treatment,” he noted.