Hepatitis Day: Gov Mbah’s Wife Takes Awareness Campaign To Enugu South LG

The wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has launched campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of Hepatitis.

The event which took place at Enugu South Local Government headquarters Uwani, was also used to promote prevention, testing, and treatment.

Speaking during the exercise, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, addressed the pressing issue of stigma and neglect around hepatitis.

Represented by the senior special assistant to the governor on special
duties, Barr. Chidimma Egeonu, the Governor’s wife highlighted how social silence around the disease continues to hinder early diagnosis and treatment, particularly among women and young people.

“Viral hepatitis is like a cankerworm quietly eating into our society. If we want to end it, we must begin with sensitising women especially through antenatal care where early screening can save lives,” she said.

Mrs. Mbah pledged to collaborate closely with community leaders to ensure that Hepatitis treatment becomes both accessible and affordable, thereby reducing the barriers that continue to hinder progress in the fight against the disease.

She emphasised continuous public health education to dispel myths and encourage action. “People often suffer in silence due to ignorance and lack of awareness. We must change that narrative,” she said.

Some women during the awareness campaign on Hapetities held at Enugu South

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman, Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Caleb Ani, commended the First Lady for championing such a vital public health initiative.

“We are grateful to Her Excellency for prioritising the health of our people through this proactive campaign.

“Education and awareness are key in fighting silent killers like Hepatitis,” Ani said.

Enugu South Council Chairman, Hon. Caleb Ani

The Deputy Chairman of Enugu South, Hon. Tony Egbo, also lauded the initiative and extended goodwill messages to the First Lady, noting the event’s inclusiveness and long-term impact.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, primarily caused by viral infections.

There are five main types: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct causes and severity. Among them, Hepatitis B is particularly worrisome due to its high rate of transmission through blood contact, unprotected sexual intercourse, shared needles, and from mother to child during childbirth.

According to statistics, Nigeria remains a high-burden country, with a prevalence rate of approximately 9.5% a figure health experts find deeply concerning. Without proper awareness and preventive care, the virus can lead to chronic conditions like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.

Experts also stressed the importance of vaccination, safe sex practices, proper hygiene, and avoiding the sharing of sharp objects as key steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Despite the Hepatitis vaccination programme launched in Nigeria in 2004, coverage among adults particularly at the grassroots remains insufficient.

Stakeholders say increased government investment and private sector collaboration are key to expand access to vaccines.

Participants at the campaign include Emzor Pharmaceuticals, the Enugu South Women Leader, community women stakeholders, principal officers of the council, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE and Enugu South workers.

The sensitisation was organised by the Office of the Wife of the Enugu State Governor through the ministry of health and other agencies.

Enugu South LG Media