UNIBEN Celebrates World Hepatitis Day

UNIVERSITY of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr. Casimire Omuemu, has called on government to declare a state of emergency on Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

He made the call in a lecture delivered during the 2015 World Hepatitis Day celebration help at the school.

Dr. Omuemu disclosed that Nigerians’ inability to regularly go for medical checkup to ascertain their health status has enormously contributed to the spread of the disease.

Observing that HBV, which is a viral disease is 40 times more infections than HIV, destroys the liver cells and is among leading causes of death across the globe.

He stated that unscreened blood transfusion is one of the ways of getting the virus. Lamenting the high prevalence of the disease, the consultant noted that late manifestation HBV makes it hard to control.

In his recommendations, he called on the government to help subsidise HBV vaccine and engage in more public awareness to sensitise the people.

He further encouraged Nigerians to vaccinate themselves against the virus and ensure that before accepting blood, it is properly screened.