The Imo State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Imo State, the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative, the Rise Against Hepatitis Global Initiative (RAHGI), the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), and other stakeholders, successfully commemorated World Hepatitis Day 2026 in Owerri. The event reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to raising awareness, promoting early detection, preventing viral hepatitis, and improving access to quality healthcare.
The commemoration began with a Walk for Life from the Control Post to the Imo State Secretariat, bringing together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organizations, and members of the public to advocate for hepatitis awareness and encourage regular screening.
The main programme, held at the Ministry of Health Complex, featured health education sessions on the causes, transmission, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis. Resource persons emphasized the importance of early testing, Hepatitis B vaccination, and timely medical care in reducing hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths.
A major highlight of the event was the provision of free viral hepatitis screening and counselling. Participants received professional counselling, learned their hepatitis status, and were educated on preventive measures and healthy lifestyle practices. Quite a number of residents benefited from the free screening, counselling, and health education sessions, significantly expanding awareness and encouraging more people to know their hepatitis status. The initiative reinforced the importance of early diagnosis and access to essential healthcare services.
The event also strengthened collaboration among government agencies, healthcare partners, and community organizations in advancing hepatitis prevention and control across Imo State. Participants were encouraged to promote regular screening, vaccination, and the elimination of stigma associated with hepatitis.
The successful commemoration reinforced the collective commitment of the Imo State Government and its partners to eliminating viral hepatitis through sustained awareness, preventive interventions, early diagnosis, and improved access to treatment. It also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and community engagement in achieving a hepatitis-free future for Imo State and Nigeria.