By Folayimika Akanbi
The Kwara State government said it has initiated different measures to prevent the spread of viral Hepatitis in the state.
The Desk Officer of Kwara Viral Hepatitis ‘B’, Alaya Gbemisola Bilqees, disclosed this on Friday at a free health screening a non-governmental organization, Advocates for Orphaned Children (AOC) Advocacy Group organized for children in Ilorin in partnership with the Kwara State government.
Themes “Test for every child,” the exercise provided an opportunity for children at a Orphanage Home, City of Refuge and adults alike to undergo screening for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis ‘B’.
Alaya said some health facilities have been equipped to offer free vaccines to pregnant woman that tested positive to viral Hepatitis from third trimester till the delivery of the baby.
She explained that it was part of the safety measures to prevent mother from having a child that tested positive to Hepatitis ‘B’
The expert, who warned against the danger associated with the viral infection, said it could dwell within the body system of a potential victim, especially an adult for more than two decades without any symptoms.
She noted that sizeable number of children are susceptible to the virus, resulting in the diseases she listed as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“For some people as adults, if you contact Hepatitis ‘B’, it is bound that you should be able to overshadow it. Your level of immunity should override the virus if contacted as an adult.
“But for children, 90 per cent of them lead to liver cirrhosis and also liver cancer. And that is why we have to prevent the children from having Hepatitis. For adults, 90 per cent of them can override the virus.
“By the time you know, unfortunately, Hepatitis ‘B’ can stay in the body system for more than two decades without any symptoms whatsoever. Not even the yellowness of the eyes, depending on individuals. So, it shows how dangerous this virus is.
“As it is, a whole lot of activities are ongoing in the state in the process of preventing this virus. We have some facilities in Kwara State where even as a mother that tested positive to viral Hepatitis will be given vaccine from third trimester till mother will be delivered of a baby free of charge because we know how essential a mother should not also deliver an Hepatitis ‘B’ positive child,” Alaya said.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima Imam, identified education and good health as fundamental pillars of a child’s development, declaring the free screening demonstrates a commendable commitment to addressing both.
Imam, who spoke through the Director of Social Welfare in her ministry, Alhaji Amusat Oladimeji Fatai, added that children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow and live a healthy and fulfilling life, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
She, however, applauded the organizers and partners for bringing educational assessment and essential health services closer to children who need them.
The commissioner said the initiative would contribute meaningfully to building healthier, better-prepared and more confident children through identification of their learning needs and promotion of early detection of health challenges.
In her remarks, the state Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mrs Munirat Akanbi-Bello, stressed the need to educate the citizens on ways to contain HIV and other viral infections.
While emphasizing regular screening for early detection, the pharmacist urged residents to be conscious of the prevalence of viral diseases in the society.
