Abuja: Rotary International District 9127 on Monday conducted free Hepatitis B screening and testing for residents of the Ruga Baze Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The outreach was held to mark World Hepatitis Day, observed globally on July 28.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, District Governor Dame Joy Okoro stated that the outreach was part of Rotary’s humanitarian mission to support vulnerable communities. She emphasized the infectious nature of Hepatitis B, noting that even sweat from a carrier could transmit the virus, often referred to as a silent killer. The initiative aimed to ensure residents were tested, treated, and vaccinated to help them maintain healthy lives. Over 100 residents were screened during the event. Those who tested negative received vaccinations, while those who tested positive were provided with medication and referred to hospitals for follow-up care.
Dr. Patrick Ezie, District Chair of Rotary’s Medical Mission and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital, explained that Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted viral infection similar to HIV. It can also spread through blood, saliva, sweat, and shared sharp objects. The virus primarily affects the liver and can remain undetected for decades, potentially leading to liver cancer if contracted at birth. Ezie highlighted the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission by providing infected pregnant women and their babies with necessary treatments, including hepatitis B immunoglobulin injections.
General Secretary of the Rotary Hepatitis Eradication Project, Mr. Oye Oyewo, noted that Rotary had reached more than 200,000 people in Nigeria through its hepatitis campaign, including communities in the FCT such as Apo Resettlement and Karamajiji. He remarked that Hepatitis B often shows no symptoms until it is advanced, leading to unknowing carriers. The campaign theme “Let’s Break It Down” aims to raise awareness and protect families.
Community Head Malam Umar Lawal expressed appreciation on behalf of the residents, describing the outreach as a much-needed intervention that would positively impact the community’s health.
