Editor
By Fatima Saka
In an effort to reduce Hepatitis C viral, related mobility and mortality, the government of Nigeria has launched National Hepatitis C Self Testing Operational Guidelines for increasing fair access to HCV diagnosis and treatment across the country.
During the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, the Mastermind of the initiative, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed that the contract was adopted with the advocacy on the principles of making HCV testing accessible to all Nigerians.
Pro Pate stated that the provision of high-quality testing services will enable equity in HCV testing, and the principle of integration into the existing healthcare system, which includes linkage to treatment and care for the diagnosed HCV infections, in line with the elimination goal by 2030.
The Minister and his counterpart who was represented by Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health said that
Hepatitis C virus self-testing is a new approach recommended by WHO for the purpose of scaling up testing uptake and improving access to care and treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection in different groups and different settings.
He reiterated that the HCVST infection study was conducted in four states, in four healthcare facilities in Nasarawa State.
The minister further commended the Governor of Nasarawa State and the Commissioner for health for their good work done in Nasarawa.
He further explained the accessibility, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of HCVST in two different settings.
“The overall goal of the study was to increase equitable access to HCV diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing HCV-related mobility and mortality.
“It is worth noting that some of the major findings from the study informed the need to develop a national guideline for HCV self-testing. Which is meant to guide implementation of this new testing approach among program officers, policy makers, and end-users.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health Nasarawa State, Dr Gaza Gwamna said the guidelines is going to help Nigeria’s strategic pathway towards elimination of viral hepatitis in the country, particularly hepatitis C that the guideline is specific. “It’s a good thing for us, particularly in Nassara because we have the highest prevalence across the country.
“The good step and right step, you know, for us towards elimination of viral hepatitis C.
In her goodwill remarks, Representing Country Director, Jhpiego Nigeria said that the guidelines removed stigma out of the challenge.
She added that Hepatitis C Viral is something that needs to be dealt with in Nigeria. “We can’t run away from it.It’s our reality day to day.
“And it is good that we have a project that is exploring to see how it becomes easier for people to get tested, for them to know their status, and have it dealt with so that it is not a growing challenge that is being ignored.
Speaking on, World Health Organization Country representative, Dr. Funke Otulade, the Technical Lead of the HIV in Nigeria commended the Ministry of Health and NACA for successful completion of the hepatitis C testing study.
WHO country representative reiterated that over 1.5 million people are infected with viral hepatitis B annually. And adding that over 290,000 people die from the viral hepatitis every year. “Mostly from hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis of the liver, which is primarily caused by infection with either viral hepatitis C or D.
She expressed that the majority of those infected with these diseases are not even aware, talk less of taking the necessary steps to seek help. “And we believe that the launching of this, the ability to have a vaccine, to have access to self-testing for viral hepatitis C, and in the near future, for viral hepatitis B, would actually help in closing the gap of awareness.”
Also, in her opening remarks, Mrs Felicity Jinga, Head of Viral Hepatitis Component, National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme Federal Ministry of Health said that viral hepatitis is a public health threat and a lot of people are not aware of their viral hepatitis status.
“And this is a forum that we need to sensitize and create awareness as well and people don’t know to the facility not even test to know if they are to know if they are positive or negative
“But with the introduction of the HC self-pasting kits you can on your own at your own pleasure even in your house you know to be able to test to know if you are positive or negative.”
