Dr. Sylvester Nwokediuko, a consultant gastroenterologist with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, has said that Hepatitis B had become more rampant than HIV in the country.
Nwokediuko made the observation in Enugu on Wednesday at the launch of a book entitled: “Hepatitis B, who cares?”
It was written by a pharmacist, Dr. Osita Ogbu.
Nwokediuko said: “About one third of the world population is afflicted with the disease.
“In Nigeria, at least one out of every 10 persons has Hepatitis B while HIV and AIDS is one out of 20 or even more.”
The consultant noted that most cases of Hepatitis B in Nigeria were hereditary, adding that the virus could persist in the body till adult stage before it develops to a full blown disease.
He said that early detection was key to its effective management and urged people to always go for routine medical checks against the disease.
Nwokediuko called on the governments at all levels to put measures in place to tackle the disease as they had been doing with HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The book reviewer, Dr. Fintan Ekochin, said that Hepatitis B was a preventable and curable disease unlike HIV.
The National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, who was represented at the launch by the Chairman of PSN in the state, Christopher Igwe, commended the author for making the PSN proud through the book.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Godwin Ngoka, commended the author for his courage in practicing his profession and at the same time writing the book.
Chinenye Nwaaekpe, the Head of Micro Biology Unit at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, said the book would inform the public about issues concerning the disease.
Nwaaekpe said the author had researched and discovered the best ways to prevent the disease from spreading from person to person.
In his speech, the author said he was inspired to write the book following the rising cases of Hepatitis B in the country.
Ogbu thanked the guests for their moral and financial support toward bringing the book to reality.
Trending
- Alleged defilement of girlfriend: 23-year-old student freed after two years
- We’re not aware of any BoT in Labour Party — NEC
- Anambra police station attacked, set ablaze
- National Convention: We gave INEC over 100 days notice – LP
- Naira falls against dollar by 0.7%
- Delta Killings: Traditional ruler declared wanted surrenders self
- 3rd Mainland Bridge: Minister gives date for full reopening
- Eve’s Desire: Challenges of a loveless marriage, by Tiwa Says