By Khalid Idris Doya
The Yakubu Gowon Centre, in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has commenced a four-day hepatitis screening and vaccination exercise targeting 2,000 residents in Bauchi state, as part of ongoing efforts to combat the viral disease.
Speaking on the second day of the exercise on Tuesday in Bauchi, Mr. Nduka Ozor, the lead project of the Yakubu Gowon Centre and partners, highlighted the urgent need for intervention, saying that recent assessments indicate a high prevalence of hepatitis in Bauchi State, signaling a critical public health challenge.
Our correspondent reports that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living with viral hepatitis.
"In response, His Excellency, General Yakubu Gowon, appealed to the Northeast Development Commission to take immediate action. The Commission has graciously approved and funded this initiative," Ozor added.
Ozor said the program, currently running in Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno states, is set to expand to other Northeastern states including Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba.
"In this phase, we are screening and vaccinating approximately 2,000 individuals. Those who test negative receive the hepatitis vaccine, while individuals who test positive are referred to accredited health facilities for further investigation and treatment," Ozor explained.
He added that the Bauchi exercise is being conducted across 12 facilities covering all three senatorial zones of the state.
Mr. Ozor, also from the Center for HIV/AIDS and STD Research, emphasised the overarching goal, "We are committed to significantly reducing hepatitis prevalence across the Northeast and ultimately bringing the disease under control."
He urged state governments to prioritise health interventions in their budgets rather than relying solely on external agencies or international partners, "Safeguarding citizens' health requires urgent and deliberate action," he stated.
Ozor noted Hepatitis B, in particular, remains a serious and often underestimated threat, "Its impact can be even more severe than HIV. Once infected, Hepatitis B has no cure; management is costly and complex, making government support crucial."
He added that common symptoms of Hepatitis include sweating, headaches, nausea, and general discomfort. Early screening is therefore essential.
Representing NEDC, Mohammed Amir Ali, Health Desk Officer Bauchi office, reiterated the Commission's commitment to health interventions, "We are partnering with the Yakubu Gowon Centre to provide screenings and vaccinations, helping prevent the development of this serious disease."
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the free service, "Both screening and vaccination are completely free. We urge people in Bauchi to visit designated facilities for care."
Medical Laboratory Scientist Kyauta Miski, representing the Primary Health Care Center in Kofaran, commended Gowon Centre and NEDC for the initiative, "This program focuses on screening for Hepatitis B and C. Those who test negative are vaccinated, providing long-term immunity," he said.
Miski also praised Governor Bala Mohammed for his commitment to delivering quality healthcare, "Programs like this are crucial. Immunization protects individuals from dangerous viral infections."
Staff at Bayara Hospital, including Cicilia Amos, noted a strong turnout, particularly given the rising prevalence of hepatitis, she said many adults, who often cannot afford the vaccine, are benefiting from the initiative.
Rosalind Joshua, a parent bringing her daughter for vaccination, explained, "The vaccination will strengthen her, support healthy growth, and protect her from diseases."
Umar, in charge of Bayara Hospital, highlighted the value of vaccination, "Hepatitis spreads through blood and sometimes sweat. There is no specific treatment for the virus, so vaccination provides essential long-term protection."
He urged the public to prioritise hepatitis B vaccination as a highly effective preventive measure.
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