Kicking Hepatitis out of Nigeria with the Royals, General Yakubu Gowon, Princess Peju Hameed, Chief Agboola, Prof. Victor Adetiloye and Latasha Ngwube: Good will Ambassador.
Today is world Hepatitis Day, yet only a few are aware of the disease. It is estimated that over 450 million people in the world are infected with the Hepatitis virus infection in the world, and 50 million are in Africa. Sadly enough, people die of Hepatitis B & C. More than 90 per cent of carriers of the disease are not even aware of it.
After the adoption of a resolution during the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010, the World Hepatitis Day was endorsed to be globally celebrated on July 28 in honour of the 1976 Nobel Laureate Baruch Samuel Blumberg for his outstanding research work on the discovery, and effective test for hepatitis B.
The virus kills and damage the liver; it is more dangerous and deadly than HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. There is need to create awareness programmes to help minimize the spread of the deadly virus. However, WHO is alerting people to the risks of contracting hepatitis from unsafe objects, such as; unsafe blood, unsafe injections, and sharing of sharps objects, including sharing drug-injections equipment.
Also, to mark the day in Nigeria, her Majesty Yeyeluwa Wuraola Ogunwusi, Latasha Ngwube among others flagged off the WALK for life against Hepatitis on the street of Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Despite the rain, her majesty still did walk, as a good will Ambassador; creating awareness and educating the people about the hepatitis virus infection. They were healthcare personnel there for people to get screened.
"Did you know about 4,000 people die daily from 1- of the 5 strains of Hepatitis?, did you know it is treatable/curable if detected early?"- Latasha Ngwube who was also screened today at centre of the event today in Ile-Ife Osun state Nigeria. Latasha Ngwube took the walk today with her majesty Yeyeluwa Wuraola Ogunwusi alongside with the youth as the good will Ambassador.
It is advised, that everyone go for a test, and take necessary precautions. Effective treatment are available for hepatitis B and there is cure for hepatitis C, so, it is very crucial to talk to your health care manager or doctor in order to know your hepatitis status, and way out where necessary. It is a standard precautionary measure for all pregnant women to be screened for hepatitis in order to protect them and their unborn baby.
Furthermore, all women should get Hepatitis A and B vaccine before pregnant. There are safe and effective vaccine against Hepatitis A and B types. In Europe, Germany for instance, most of the European women get the vaccine before getting pregnant; the vaccine is in three package which last in the body for 10, years.
Save tips: Avoid sharing needles or personal items such as; razors, needle, clippers etc. Avoid tattoos, and other body piercings activities and also avoid casual and unprotected sexual intercourse. Let us spread the NEWS and not the virus!
Queendaline Schneider
Photo credit: Latasha Ngwube.
3 comments:
Well done. Nice article, simple and accurate.
Thanks dear!
May God bless you all day,with dis your blog i now realise there is sill alot to learn
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