Charles Ekanem|28 September 2016
His Excellency, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu OFR, yesterday hosted Roche Group in his conference room. Prof Ivara Esu in his remarks said it was very important for Cross Riverians to get screened for Hepatitis B and C which according to him is one of the silent killer diseases in Nigeria. He went further to stress that the State will partner with them to address the disease. He expressed optimism that the program will go along away to save lives of Cross Riverians.
The Roche Group led by Mr Wale Akinbowale, Head of Access disclosed that Cross River State has the potential to kick out hepatitis by providing for early diagnosis and treatment to prevents liver damage. According to him their target is to partner with the state and screen people on hepatitis B & C.
"Hepatitis b, c are diseases that damage the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis b or c virus. It causes your liver to swell and stops it from functioning properly. He noted that Hepatitis C is spread mainly by contact with an infected person's blood why Hepatitis B is far more infectious and can be spread by contact with infected blood, semen or other body fluids when a person comes in contact with it even outside the body of the primary carrier", said Mr Akinbowale.
Honorable Commissioner, Dr Inyang Asibong said the Roche group are here to partner with Cross River State on hepatitis B & C project and implement the national hepatitis policy of the WHO that will include screening, diagnosing and treatment of hepatitis B and C.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting Dr Betta Edu reaffirmed her support to the Roche Group which will include the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency partnering with them to take the health message on hepatitis B and C to the grass root. We will reach out to communities with high rate of hepatitis especially at the hard to reach areas, encourage them to get screened and refer positive cases to be treated for the disease which has claimed many lives in the past. We would not relent until we hit the target which is eliminating hepatitis out from our families, villages and communities. SO GET TESTED, GET VACCINATED, GET TREATED TODAY!
His Excellency, Deputy Governor of CRS Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu was tested and certified Hepatitis B/C free by the medical expatriate from the ROCHE team in His Office in Calabar. Other dignitaries present at the occassion was the Secretary to state government Barr. Tina Agbor, Mr Goddy Eta, Hon. Commissioner of Education, Chairman Hospital management board Dr Sylvester Ebaye amongs others.
Charles Ekanem
Writes from Calabar
