Lagos Enhances Efforts to Combat Hepatitis Amid Rising Prevalence

In a proactive response to the rising prevalence of Hepatitis, Lagos State has strengthened its initiatives to tackle the virus. On World Hepatitis Day 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, detailed the state’s efforts during a symposium at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja. The state has implemented subsidized Hepatitis C testing, launched extensive vaccination and screening programs for over 5,000 residents, and engaged in robust community outreach.

Dr. Ogboye highlighted the alarming global and local statistics on Hepatitis prevalence, noting that Lagos has higher rates of Hepatitis B and C compared to the national average. The state’s Hepatitis Control Program, established in 2017, has been critical in addressing this issue. The government has collaborated with organizations like the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to provide testing and treatment.

Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite, Director of Disease Control, emphasized the severity of Hepatitis as a leading cause of death and called for increased public awareness. The Lagos State Viral Hepatitis Control Programme Coordinator, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, assured ongoing efforts to reduce mortality rates significantly by 2030.