A public health expert, Dr Gabriel Adakole has called for improved awareness and prompt treatment of Hepatitis C, to prevent severe health complications in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Hepatitis kills 1.3 million people yearly globally making it a deadly disease .
Consequently, Adakole, an advocate for Hepatitis awareness called for this increase awareness in commemoration of the 2024 World Hepatitis Day.
The theme: “It’s Time for Action,” is a pivotal occasion to spotlight the ongoing global fight against viral hepatitis, a significant public health challenge affecting millions of people worldwide.
Despite substantial progress in research and healthcare, viral hepatitis continues to be a major cause of chronic renal diseases, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality rate.
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Adakole highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and management of the disease to reduce liver damage, Cirrhosis, and liver cancer among infected individuals.
“Hepatitis C infects the liver, an organ in your belly that produces bile for digestion and rids your body of toxins.
“The virus causes inflammation that slowly damages your liver over many years and leaves it scarred.
“Cirrhosis, a severe form of liver disease, occurs due to various causes, and results in scarring that slowly replaces healthy tissue, eventually blocking blood flow and impairing liver function.
“This prevents the liver from filtering toxins and breaking down nutrients and medications efficiently. Over time, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure,” he said.
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He also urged Nigerians not to neglect the signs of the disease.
According to Adakole, many Nigerians remain unaware of their Hepatitis C status due to inadequate screening and misinformation.
“We need to prioritise public health campaigns that educate the population on the risks of untreated Hepatitis C and the benefits of timely medical intervention.
“As Cirrhosis progresses, symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellowing of the skin, easy bruising, darkened urine, and swelling in the abdomen and legs may appear.
“In severe cases, people may experience nausea, cognitive impairment, and memory issues,” he said.
