The Ogun State Government has announced plans to conduct free hepatitis screening for 200,000 residents by 2026, with a focus on youths, pregnant women, and healthcare workers due to their vulnerability and occupational hazards.
This initiative aims to control viral hepatitis, which claims a life every 30 seconds globally, according to the World Health Organization.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Free Screening: The state government will offer free hepatitis screening across all six state hospitals, in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, to mark World Hepatitis Day.
- Subsidized Vaccination: Residents who test negative will have access to subsidized vaccination, while those who test positive will be linked to care at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta.
- Hepatitis Data Dashboard: The state plans to launch a Hepatitis Data Dashboard to track progress and enhance accountability in its fight against hepatitis.
- Routine Screening: The state already includes routine screening for hepatitis B for pregnant women during antenatal care, and newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost.
Target Groups
- Youths: Due to their potential engagement in risky behaviors.
- Pregnant Women: Due to their vulnerability.
- Healthcare Workers: Due to The occupational hazards.
Goals
- Screen 200,000 Residents: By 2026, the state aims to screen at least 200,000 residents.
- Expand Services: The state plans to expand hepatitis screening and vaccination services to all senatorial districts.
- Achieve 95% Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Coverage: The state aims to achieve at least 95% Hepatitis B birth-dose coverage across all Primary Health Centres.
