The Borno state government in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tuesday flagged off Hepatitis Day 2024 campaign in Maiduguri.
The event took place at Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, Eye Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno state.
Borno state Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Processor Baba Malam Gana, while officially flagging off the commemoration events, said it is a Free Testing & Vaccination at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, open to the general public.
He added that the free testing and vaccination event was aimed at sensitising the public and creating awareness on the Hepatitis Day 2024 and its effects on the people and society.
Prof. Mallam Gana urged all and sundry to take advantage of the free screening at the state specialist hospital while also appealing to journalists to carry out an intensive sensitisation and awareness creation exercises with wider advocacy and awareness campaigns and mobilisation across the state.
The WHO Borno state coordinator, Dr. Salisu A. Ibrahim said over 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, C, or both without knowing their status.
He warned that such behaviour exposed them to severe consequences and diseases such as liver cancer, cirrhosis and death.
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