Distinguished people of Rivers State, I bring you greetings today and welcome you to another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Remember that there is much truth in the saying that ignorance is a disease, for the simple reason that lots of diseases are caused by ignorance on the part of the victims. This episode is in commemoration of the United Nations World Hepatitis Day, which comes up today, Saturday the 28th of July.
In order to achieve the Hepatitis global elimination goal by the year 2030, low coverage of testing and treatment has been identified by the World Health Organisation as the most important gap to be addressed this year. This is more so considering that more than 60% of liver cancer cases are due to late testing and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C infections, leading to 1.34 million deaths every year. And statistics show that 325 million people are living with chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections worldwide.
The World Health Organisation’s message to the world on this World Hepatitis day are 10-fold. Let us take them to heart and respond appropriately: They are as follows:
1. Viral Hepatitis B and C are major health challenges.
2. Viral Hepatitis B and C are root causes of liver cancer.
3. Timely testing and treatment of viral Hepatitis B and C can save lives.
4. Viral Hepatitis causes debilitating diseases and also places a huge economic burden on families.
5. Viral Hepatitis has become a major killer due to a lack of global attention.
6. Over the past 15 years, more and more people have been dying of viral Hepatitis.
7. At the same time, people are becoming newly infected with Hepatitis.
8. Hepatitis attacks the most vulnerable in society.
9. Hepatitis can be prevented, diagnosed, treated and even cured.
10. You can help eliminate hepatitis by undergoing a test and spreading this message.
It deserves mentioning again that timely testing and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C leads to cure and saves lives. Let us listen to our guest speaker as he sheds more light on this subject. He is Dr. Leeleebari Sibor, a Program Manager, Public Health Specialist and Infectious Disease Expert in the Rivers State Ministry of Health. Please enjoy the episode.
Our dear Rivers people, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless you and keep you and your families. And God bless Rivers State
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa)
The Governor of Rivers State
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below