Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa State has called on residents to embrace hepatitis testing, vaccination and early treatment, warning that the disease remains a “silent killer” capable of causing liver failure, liver cancer and death if left untreated.
The State Director of the agency, Mallam Ahmed Tijjani Ibrahim, made the call on Monday in Dutse to commemorate the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, observed globally every July 28.
This is contained in a statement signed by Sarah Ogodo, Head of Communication and Media, National Orientation Agency in the State.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” Ibrahim said the campaign seeks to dismantle barriers preventing people from accessing accurate information, testing, vaccination, treatment and quality healthcare.
He explained that hepatitis is a preventable and treatable disease but often goes undetected because many infected persons show no symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred.
The NOA Director highlighted key facts about the disease, noting that Hepatitis B has a safe and effective vaccine, while Hepatitis C can be cured with appropriate medical treatment. He added that early testing remains the surest way to detect the infection and improve treatment outcomes.
Ibrahim also warned that the disease spreads through contact with infected blood and body fluids, including unsafe blood transfusions, sharing of needles, syringes and other sharp objects, the use of unsterilised medical instruments, as well as transmission from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
He urged residents across Jigawa State to take advantage of available health services by getting tested, receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine and seeking prompt medical attention whenever necessary.
