World Hepatitis Day: Imo govt, RAHGI organize free hepatitis screening

By Rozzita Iwunwa

Imo State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Rise Against Hepatitis Global Initiative (RAHGI), has commenced free hepatitis  B and C screening for Imo citizens.

The exercise which took place at the Ministry of Health block, State Secretariate Complex, New Owerri was part of the activities set aside to commemorate 2025 World Hepatitis Day Celebration in the State with the theme, “Let’s  Break It Down”

Briefing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Egu said that the United Nations set every 28th July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis which she described as a significant global health challenge affecting millions of lives and imposing a heavy burden on our health care system.

Dr. Egu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Adinnu Kennedy Ogemdi reassured of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment towards eliminating the viral disease in Imo.

She noted that this year’s theme of the event calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers, that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.

Egu described  the free hepatitis screening exercise organized by Ministry of Health in collaboration with RAHGI as a powerful tool that would empower Imolites with the knowledge they need to take control of their health and would also enable health professionals to provide timely and appreciate care.

“We have organised free screening service to ensure everyone has access to this vital health check.

Today, I encourage everyone of you our dedicated staff our valued partners and all members of the community to take an essential step in the fight against hepatitis. Get screened. Early detection is crucial in managing and treating hepatitis effectively.

By getting screened, you not only protect your own health but also contribute to the broader effort of preventing the spread of the disease…. together we can achieve a healthier hepatitis free world”.

Egu further commended health care workers and their partner, RAHGI for their support.

In her speech, Miss Ehirim Cynthia, a volunteer for Rise Against Hepatitis Global Initiative (RAHGI), said the NGO is committed to eliminate hepatitis and improve the lives of those affected.

This cannot be achieved without the continuous support of the state ministry of health through the office of the honourable commissioner for health, she said.

Ehirim informed that the event is aimed at educating, inspiring and mobilizing action against hepatitis.

“We request a free hepatitis testing and treatment for every pregnant women through the office of Her Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma the governor of Imo State…”

She called for continued support the state ministry of health.

In an interview, the program officer for hepatitis in the state Ministry of health, Dr. Chidinma Nwachukwu  described hepatitis as a viral silent killer disease with symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, fever, yellowish colour of the eyes (jaundice).

Dr. Nwachukwu informed that there are five types of hepatitis which includes: A,B,C,D and E adding  that hepatitis A can be gotten from dirty or contaminated food or water while the others can be transmitted through sharing of sharp objects, unprotected sexual intercourse and blood transfusion.

She advised all more especially, those within the age bracket of 18 and above to go for hepatitis vaccination adding that children with low immunity, elderly people and young people who are sexually active are the most vulnerable.

She called on all to utilize the free screening to know their status.

Some of the beneficiaries of the free Medicare thanked Imo State government, the state ministry of health and RAHGI for organizing the exercise.