Nasarawa State Launches Free Hepatitis Vaccination Program

The Nasarawa State Government has launched a free hepatitis screening and vaccination program for at least 1,000 civil servants as part of World Hepatitis Day activities. The initiative began on Wednesday in Lafia, aiming to enhance early detection and prevention of viral hepatitis while raising awareness.

Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the Commissioner for Health, expressed concern over the state's high prevalence rates, noting that Hepatitis B stands at approximately 17 percent compared to the national average of 8.1 percent, and Hepatitis C at 13.1 percent versus the national average of about 1 percent.

The screening and vaccination exercise will continue until Friday at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health. The state government is also working with pharmaceutical companies to lower hepatitis medication costs for civil servants and vulnerable residents.

Treatment costs for Hepatitis C have been reduced to about half the market price. Additionally, targeted programs have been introduced to improve access to treatment for vulnerable groups, including free treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS.