FEDERAL NEURO-PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL YABA, LAGOS COMMEMORATES THE 2023 WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

 The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba in partnership with Trusted Pharmacy and Chemist of West Africa, and Zolon Healthcare Ltd joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day, 2023 Edition with the theme “HEPATITIS CAN’T WAIT’’.

The event aimed at creating awareness globally on the implications and burden of the viral hepatitis to individuals and the society at large. Participants were drawn from the management staff and the hospital community.

The Chief host, in the person of the Medical Director, Dr. O. A. Owoeye, in his welcome Address, appreciated the Harvey Road Community Clinic of the hospital headed by Dr. A. M. Adegbite, (Consultant family physician and co-host) for organizing the event that would go a long way to sensitize the public on their wellbeing.

Emphasis was made on the importance of screening and vaccination to prevent contracting Hepatitis, while appreciating the theme for the year which is: ‘Hepatitis can’t wait’ because of the tone of urgency in it, considering the grave complications associated with it.

Dr. Abosede Adegbite in her special address, appreciated the Medical Director and his team for supporting the commemoration activities. Dr. Adegbite stated that everywhere in the world on 28th July of every year, stake holders celebrate world Hepatitis day.
She said that the risk of Hepatitis is ever present especially in a Hospital environment such as ours. She encouraged everyone in the audience to avail themselves of the free screening that accompanied the years World Hepatitis Day celebration.

Dr. Faith Ibishola in her presentation also appreciated the Management for supporting the commemoration day, she stated that the date was chosen because of the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg who discovered Hepatitis B in 1967.

Hepatitis according to her is an inflammation of the liver and is transmissible through contact with blood and body fluids of infected persons. She spoke on the strains of Hepatitis, mode of transmission, treatment and prevention. Hence, she emphasized that screening and vaccination remain the most accurate method of prevention while advising against the risk factors such as; sharing of sharp objects, recapping of needles, unhygienic personal practices and multiple sexual partners. Also, that early treatment prevents deterioration to liver Cirrhosis and liver cancer is a reason to know ones status. At the end of the event, free hepatitis screening was done. However, hepatitis screening and vaccination are available at the Harvey Road Community Clinic of the Federal Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

 COURTESY: Information and Special Duties Department, FNPH, Yaba, Lagos.