The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has guaranteed its commitment towards eradicating hepatitis by 2030, according to the Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.
The minister said this while flagging-off activities to commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day in Abuja.
According to the minister, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Yahaya Isa Vatsa, the administration was ready and prepared to align with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other critical stakeholders to achieve hepatitis B, C, and D elimination by 2030.
To accomplish this, she said the administration would stay resolute and “working with other critical stakeholders and development partners, to reduce new infections of hepatitis B and C by 90%, reduce hepatitis related deaths from liver cirrhosis and cancer by 65%, ensure that at least 90% of people with hepatitis B and C viruses are diagnosed; and at least 80% of those eligible receive appropriate treatment.”
She condemned a situation where communities in the FCT, particularly those in the hard-to-reach areas, lack access to hepatitis diagnostics, treatment and preventive interventions.
She further emphasized the necessity to accelerate the battle against viral hepatitis and the importance of testing and treatment for the real people who need it, in order to preserve its productive demography.
