The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has announced a partnership with the Nasarawa State administration to address the state’s hepatitis prevalence rate.
On Monday, the university and the state government, along with partners, provided free hepatitis testing, counselling, vaccine, and treatment to hepatitis-positive individuals in the Gandu neighbourhood near the institution.
Shehu Abdul-Rahman, the university’s vice-chancellor (VC), expressed satisfaction during the ceremony in Lafia that they were able to provide free hepatitis care to their host communities.
He explained that the gesture was part of the university’s community service to address health issues in the state.
“The intervention is timely because the fundamental public health indication for the country is critically low and precarious, with the national life expectancy now at 56.05 years,” he said.
Mr Abdul-Rahman stated that the institution opted to collaborate with the state Ministry of Health on hepatitis, one of the leading causes of human mortality in the country.
The vice chancellor congratulated the Ministry of Health and other partners for making the day a success for both the host community and the students.
Victor Dugga, chairman of the university’s Centre for Community Service, thanked the VC, state government, partners, and community leaders for the program’s success.
He stated that the medical exercise was free of charge and requested that the equipment used be left at the university’s medical centre for use by staff and students after the program.
Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, stated that the alliance aimed to address the concerning hepatitis prevalence rate in the state.
The commissioner, represented by John Damina, permanent secretary in the ministry, stated that the government is currently providing free hepatitis services in all 13 local government areas in the state.
Mr Damina stated that the administration led by Governor Abdullahi Sule would continue to address the public’s health concerns proactively.
He went on to say that delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services is one of the state government’s top priorities.
The event commemorated the 2024 World Hepatitis Day, originally marked on July 28 every year.