Hepatitis:FUHSTHI Charges Staff on Early Screening,Vaccination as Cases Rise.
The Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ila-Orangun (FUHSTHI),has intensified efforts to combat hepatitis, urging its staff to embrace regular screening, vaccination, prevention and early treatment as measures to reduce the burden of the disease within communities.
The call was made during the maiden edition of the Hospital Grand Round, organised to mark the 2026 World Hepatitis Day (WHD), with the theme: "The DEADLY BUT PREVENTABLE DISEASE:CREATING AWARENESS AND SENSITIZATION FOR VIRAL HEPATITIS" where medical experts and staff were educated on hepatitis, its causes, risk factors and preventive measures, while encouraging staff to know their health status.
Speaking at the event, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the hospital, Dr. Raheem Yusuf Abiola, described the rising cases of hepatitis infections in Nigeria and Osun State as alarming, noting that hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous because they often progress into chronic conditions.
Dr. Abiola explained that many infected persons show no obvious symptoms for years, a situation that allows the disease to silently damage the liver.He emphasised that routine screening enables early diagnosis,timely treatment and better health outcomes for patients.
Speaking on the threat posed by viral hepatitis, he explained that the infection, which could progress from an acute to a chronic liver disease, remains a leading cause of liver failure and primary liver cancer worldwide. "In Nigeria, hepatitis B stands out as the most significant, responsible for many of the long-term liver diseases," he said.
He lamented the low level of awareness and late presentation of patients in Nigeria, attributing this to limited access to healthcare infrastructure and inadequate follow-up of those already diagnosed.The Gastroenterologist,maintained that prevention remains the most effective strategy, urging people not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical attention. "These infections and their devastating consequences are preventable," he stressed.
Earlier in his address, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Musliudin Kola Owonikoko, reiterated that many healthcare workers, including doctors, lack sufficient knowledge about viral hepatitis, adding that the programme was a step towards bridging that gap.He advocated for the screening of hospital staff while commending the immense contributions of the Gastroenterologist in sensitising people on the viral disease.
In the same vein, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Kazeem Oderinu, advised individuals to know their status by getting screened and immunised, noting that early commencement of treatment after detection is key to survival for those infected.
A highlight of the programme was the question and answer session, which afforded staff the opportunity to ask questions on viral hepatitis.
The event was attended by the Acting Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Muftau Jimoh, the Acting Head of Human Resources, Mr. Sefiu Okanlawon,Heads of Departments, Heads of Units, as well as other members of staff.
