Ebonyi, Foundation partner on hepatitis, TB prevention, spread

The Ebonyi state Government and the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) has begun sensitisation and screening for Hepatitis and Tuberculosis (TB).

The Wife of the Governor and founder of BERWO, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, said that the health conditions of residents was threatened by lack of awareness.

Nwifuru made the remarks on Monday during the grand finale of the 2024 women August meeting in Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

She urged chairpersons of the 13 LGA of the state to join in the fight against these health conditions and play their parts by participating in the screening exercise.

“As the Stop TB Champion of the state, I am urging you all to participate in spreading the word about Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.

“The screening and awareness campaign will not only provide our people with the knowledge needed to protect themselves but also ensure that those affected receive care and support they deserve,” she said.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Primary Health, Mr Sabinus Nwibo, revealed that Hepatitis B and C are endemic in the state.

Nwibo added that they are more prevalent in the Ikwo and Izzi communities of the state.

He explained that the diseases are infectious and leads to other health burdens due to associated complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer

“Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved and funded instruments needed for the sensitisation campaign and screening exercise of the health condition to the 13 local government areas of the state.

“Today, we flag off the exercise and it will continue simultaneously in all nook and cranny of the state.

“Those who tested positive, during the exercise will be taken care of and the negative ones will be given hepatitis B vaccine for prevention,” Nwibo said.

He further called on the public to take advantage of the opportunity and avail themselves for the screening.

He disclosed the state government’s plan to establish hepatitis research centre where patients who tested positive would be taken care of.

Mr Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health, also disclosed that the global fund partner donated 26 motor cycles to 13 TB coordinators and 13 deputy coordinators.

Ekuma said that the essence was to enable them distribute drugs and sensitise people on the need to report possible symptoms.

He called on the media to assist in the dissemination of information and  screening exercise against TB to the public.

Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, Commissioner for Aviation, expressed satisfaction over the turn out of women for the programme.

Obichukwu advised women and children to comemcome out enmasse for the programme in order to build a healthy society.

The event featured distribution of motor cycles and bags of rice among other items to indigents persons in the area.
Peoplesmind