Ambode commends WIHA, LWI on hepatitis elimination in Nigeria

Wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has lauded the contributions of Livewell Initiative (LWI) and its subsidiary, Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA), for their efforts towards eliminating viral hepatitis in Nigeria through advocacy, screening, vaccination and empowerment of women and children.

She noted that the different types of hepatitis cause more than one million deaths annually.

Ambode, who was represented by the Head of Publicity, office of the first lady, Oladunni Ogunbanwo, at the inauguration of Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA) Regional Conference, held at Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos admitted that the challenge of eradicating the disease has remained a tall order for mankind, adding that the global search for strategies to subdue the scourge, especially in women and children has necessitated the conference.

According to her, the effort put in place by the Livewell Initiative and Women in Hepatitis Africa, by taking up the challenge to confront the scourge through mass awareness, enlightenment and public education to save as many women and children as possible, has paid off with positive impact on almost two million Nigerians with health literacy and empowerment.

Speaking further, Mrs. Ambode, who was the guest of honour at the two-day event, also advised participants to show more interest in knowing their health status, saying some of the hepatitis are preventable, while some are treatable with proper medications, hence the need for people to be well enlightened about the disease.

“In preventing hepatitis, it is instructive from the awareness we have had overtime that we must observe a healthy lifestyle, by moderating alcohol consumption, taking healthy diet, engaging in physical activities, encouraging weight loss and immunization among others.

So, what is important is early knowledge of our health status as early management of hepatitis or any other disease is very important”, she remarked.