LAFIA, Nasarawa State — The Nasarawa State Government has launched a free hepatitis screening and vaccination campaign targeting at least 1,000 civil servants as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
The exercise, which commenced on Wednesday in Lafia, is aimed at promoting early detection, prevention, and public awareness of viral hepatitis, a disease health authorities say remains a major public health concern.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, said World Hepatitis Day provides an important platform to educate residents about the disease while highlighting ongoing efforts by the state government and the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce its burden.
According to the commissioner, the state is witnessing an alarming prevalence of hepatitis, with infection rates for both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C exceeding the national average.
He stressed the need for regular screening, vaccination, and early treatment to prevent severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Dr. Gwamna urged residents to take advantage of available preventive services, noting that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to curb the spread of the disease and improve treatment outcomes.
The vaccination and screening programme forms part of the state's broader commitment to strengthening disease prevention and protecting the health of its workforce.
Health officials also encouraged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, avoid risky behaviours that could expose them to infection, and seek medical attention whenever symptoms or concerns arise.
The initiative aligns with global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat through increased awareness, early diagnosis, vaccination, and access to treatment.
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