WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2024: WE ARE REPOSITIONING OUR HEALTHCARE TO DELIVER QUALITY SERVICES

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka has said that the State Government is in the process of securing additional financing running into several billions from development partners that will be used to enhance the health services in the State.

Ajaka made this known during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day themed "It is time to act” and focuses on improving access of the populace to diagnosis and treatment which he said was apt.
The Commissioner described Hepatitis as a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and affecting its ability to function properly saying the liver is a very important organ in the body that is responsible for several functions including breakdown of food and drugs and production of blood among others. Any disease of the liver therefore has dire consequences.

"There are several types of Hepatitis but the commonest ones which are of public health concerns are Hepatitis A, B, C, & E. Hepatitis A & E are transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It is often associated with poor sanitation. While Hep B & C are usually transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood and sexual fluids through practices (similar to transmission of HIV virus), such as sexual acts, blood transfusion, sharing of contaminated needles and transmission from mother to child among others"

He therefore emphasised on prevention which is hinged on well-established strategies like immunisation, compulsory screening of blood and blood products. Strict guidelines on sterilisation of medical instruments and ban on reuse of needles.
He explained that "the clinical features of Hepatitis can vary widely, some individual may not even experience any clinical features. While other may experience mild or severe symptoms. It can also present as acute illness which may resolve within days or weeks or progress to chronic illness. The common features include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice"

He advised pregnant women to always insist on screening for Hepatitis B and encouraged them to deliver in hospital where they can have access to skilled birth attendants and sterile instruments which he said would prevent mother to child transmission and if any mother is already infected with Hepatitis B, drugs will be administered to the baby immediately after birth.

He reiterated that the Government would continue to create awareness among the public to embrace immunisation, hospital deliveries and avoid patronising quacks.
He also informed that the government was set to commence the screening and regulation of food vendors in the State which he said was the first step to ridding the State of Hepatitis A&E which are contracted through food ingestion.

To mark the World Hepatitis Day 2024. Ondo State Ministry of Health sensitized the citizens of the State and embarked in testing of Hepatitis in the State.
The Permanent Secretary of Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Niran Ikuomola described the disease as a silent killer while noting that testing is crucial to know their status.