Gowon laments over prevalence of Hepatitis B in Adamawa

Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has kicked-off free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination for 5,000 people, expressing concern over high rate of infection in Adamawa. The exercise was organised by the Yakubu Gowon Centre and its partners in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on North East (PCNI). Gowon who spoke at the […]

Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has kicked-off free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination for 5,000 people, expressing concern over high rate of infection in Adamawa.

The exercise was organised by the Yakubu Gowon Centre and its partners in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on North East (PCNI).

Gowon who spoke at the Specialist Hospital Yola said he was disturbed that out of 5,000 screened in January, 150 tested positive, saying the exercise was expected to control rate of prevalence in the state.

"Treatment of affected persons with hepatitis virus and administering vaccines is the concern of Yakubu Gowon Centre and its partners," he stated.

The PCNI Coordinator, Bello Hamman Diram explained that many of the affected people could not afford Hepatitis treatment, stressing the need for government intervention to facilitate access.

He said PCNI had invested huge money in procurement of viral load machines to fast track eradication of the virus in the North-East.

The project’s Team Leader, Nduka Ozor ,said screening centre were established at FMC Yola, Specialist Hospital,  IDP camps in the state, Lamido’s  palace, Douragi hotel  among others.

"Hepatitis B is more dangerous than HIV. You can easily contract the virus, until you avail yourself for screening in one of the centres before you know your status,” he added.