Soludo’s Wife Seeks Urgent Action to Tackle Rising Hepatitis Cases
The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has called for urgent and coordinated action to combat the rising cases of Hepatitis infections across Nigeria, warning that the disease poses a growing public health threat if not swiftly addressed.
Speaking during a health sensitization event in Awka, Mrs. Soludo expressed concern over the increasing number of undiagnosed and untreated Hepatitis cases, particularly in rural communities where access to screening and healthcare remains limited.
She emphasized the need for both government and private sector stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, promote early testing, and ensure affordable access to vaccines and treatment for infected persons.
“Hepatitis has silently become one of the biggest killers in our communities. Many people don’t even know they are infected until it is too late. We need to act fast, invest in prevention, and make screening a routine part of healthcare,” she stated.
Mrs. Soludo, who also serves as the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, disclosed that her foundation has been working with health professionals and local governments to provide free Hepatitis B and C screenings, alongside counseling and vaccination drives across Anambra State.
She urged healthcare workers to intensify public education, especially in schools and marketplaces, to dispel myths surrounding the disease and encourage people to seek medical advice rather than resorting to self-medication or traditional remedies.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, commended the governor’s wife for her advocacy, noting that Hepatitis remains a major cause of liver disease and cancer in Nigeria. He assured that the state government is committed to expanding its healthcare programs to reach more residents through primary healthcare centers and mobile clinics.
Public health experts say that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living with Hepatitis B or C, with less than 10 percent aware of their status. They warn that without aggressive screening and treatment campaigns, the country could face a silent epidemic.
Mrs. Soludo called on the Federal Ministry of Health, international partners, and local NGOs to join hands in creating a national Hepatitis elimination strategy that focuses on prevention, early detection, and treatment accessibility.
“No one should die of Hepatitis when it is preventable and treatable. Together, we can change the story,” she concluded.
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