LASG trains health workers on advanced hepatitis management
The Lagos State Government has launched a four-day residential training program to improve the capacity of medical officers in managing viral hepatitis cases across secondary health facilities.
Organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), the training began on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Orchid Hotel, Lekki.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the program’s importance in combating viral hepatitis, a major public health concern.
“This training will equip medical officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective care for viral hepatitis patients in general hospitals across Lagos State,” she said.
Dr. Egunjobi noted that the initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. She emphasized that the training would not only enhance healthcare delivery but also pave the way for subsequent sessions for laboratory scientists and other healthcare personnel.
“This effort is part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring access to quality care for all Lagosians,” she added.
The state government has also incorporated community-based initiatives into its hepatitis control program, including awareness campaigns, screenings, and vaccination drives. Dr. Egunjobi urged participants to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge to colleagues and communities, emphasizing the value of prevention and early intervention.
Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, SOMLPforR Coordinator, underscored the urgency of addressing knowledge gaps among healthcare workers, describing viral hepatitis as a “silent killer.” Sharing a personal story about losing her sister-in-law to the disease, Dr. Erinosho stressed the importance of early detection and treatment. She also commended Lagos State for its leadership in screening and vaccinating healthcare workers, calling it a milestone in proactive disease management.
The training featured presentations by leading experts, including Prof. Casimir Omuemu, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and Dr. Rufina Igetei, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Prof. Omuemu emphasized the dangers of complacency in dealing with viral hepatitis, revealing that one in 12 individuals globally is affected, often without symptoms until severe complications arise.
He advocated for regular testing, vaccination, and continuous education for healthcare professionals, noting, “Early detection is cheaper and less painful than dealing with complications like cancer and liver failure.”
Similarly, Dr. Igetei called attention to the significant burden of viral hepatitis in Nigeria, particularly Hepatitis B, which contributes to chronic liver diseases and liver cancer. She stressed the importance of prevention through vaccination and early detection while advocating for patient education.
Participants from Lagos State General Hospitals expressed gratitude for the training, acknowledging its potential to improve service delivery and reduce the burden of viral hepatitis in the state.
The program is expected to conclude on Thursday, November 28, 2024, and marks a critical step in Lagos State’s efforts to build a well-equipped healthcare workforce capable of combating hepatitis effectively.
