The Edo State Government has urged residents to get vaccinated against hepatitis, which is a leading cause of death.
The Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Gideon Iraoyah, said this at an event to mark the 2022 World Hepatitis Day in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Iraoyah said awareness is key in the management of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that results in severe liver disease and cancer.
According to him, the state government will continue to rally stakeholders in the health sector, to strengthen advocacy on the dangers of hepatitis.
He added that Hepatitis is a serious liver infection that can lead to death, noting that there is need for people to get screened to know their status and treatment for the people who test positive.
The director urged patients to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Eseigbe Freeborn reiterated the importance of getting screened for Hepatitis while appealing to patients to take advantage of the free exercise to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
He noted that a three-dose vaccine schedule was being used in which a patient will receive 1st dose vaccination and return a month later for the 2nd dose while the 3rd dose is 6 months after the 2nd dose.
Patients were seen trooping in to the Gastroenterology Unit, UBTH to get screened to know their status and also to get vaccinated.
