The Ondo State Government has identified a unique pattern in hepatitis infections among patients within the state.
Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health Matters to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, revealed this information in Akure on Saturday following a road walk event held to raise awareness for World Hepatitis Day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) designates July 27 each year to increase awareness about hepatitis and efforts to eliminate the viral infection worldwide. The theme for 2024 is “It’s Time for Action.”
Odimayo noted that the state government is investigating the unique characteristics of hepatitis cases in order to address them effectively.
“The state government has noticed a peculiar trend in the hepatitis cases we see here,” he said. “Patients with a low viral load of hepatitis are presenting with severe complications.”
He explained that, typically, low viral load hepatitis cases, according to the European Community for Hepatitis, do not require treatment. “However, in our situation, these low viral load patients are developing serious complications such as liver cancer,” Odimayo added.
To better understand this phenomenon, patients will undergo viral load testing and genotyping, with samples sent for sequencing. “This will help us identify the specific characteristics of hepatitis in our region,” he said.
Odimayo emphasized that those testing positive for hepatitis will be scheduled for further tests and potential treatment. He noted the governor’s commitment to the health of the state’s residents, noting that free hepatitis screening and education on prevention will be provided.
The governor has mandated efforts to combat the infection, aiming to screen at least 3,000 people for free across the state.
Odimayo stated that his office, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health, has engaged with key stakeholders to ensure hepatitis patients receive proper hospital treatment.
Mr. Kehinde Ayedapo, Chairman of the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Forum, mentioned that the forum is working with the Office of the Special Adviser to promote residents’ health.
He expressed concern over the lack of awareness about hepatitis and the limited information provided by NGOs in the country.
Ayedapo noted that most people only learn about hepatitis when they fall ill or attempt to donate blood. The forum plans to visit all parts of the state to raise awareness about the infection, which he described as contagious and deadly.
