By Perpetua Onuegbu

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.

District Governor, Dame Joy Okoro, said the outreach was part of Rotary’s humanitarian mission to support vulnerable communities.

“Hepatitis is curable, but it’s highly infectious, even sweat from a carrier can transmit it. It’s often called a silent killer.

“We are here to ensure people are tested, treated, and vaccinated to help them live healthy lives.

“More than 100 residents were screened.

“Those who tested negative received vaccinations, while those who tested positive were given medication and referred to hospitals for follow-up care,” she said.

Dr Patrick Ezie, District Chair of Rotary’s Medical Mission and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital, explained that hepatitis B was a sexually transmitted viral infection, similar to HIV.

He added that it could also be spread through blood, saliva, sweat, and the use of shared sharp objects.

 “The virus mainly affects the liver and can remain there silently for decades, potentially leading to liver cancer, especially if contracted at birth,” he noted.

Ezie stressed the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission by providing infected pregnant women and their babies with the appropriate treatment, including hepatitis B immunoglobulin injections.

General Secretary of the Rotary Hepatitis Eradication Project, Mr Oye Oyewo, said Rotary had reached more than 200,000 people in Nigeria with its hepatitis campaign, including communities in the FCT such as Apo Resettlement and Karamajiji.

“Hepatitis shows no symptoms until it’s advanced.

“Many don’t know they’re carriers, which is why our theme this year is ‘Let’s Break It Down’, to raise awareness and protect families,” he said.

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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru