As part of activities marking the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, Rotary International District 9127 carried out a free medical outreach at the Rugan Fulani community in Abuja, offering screenings, treatments, and vaccinations for hepatitis, malaria, and other common illnesses.
District Governor Dr. Princess Joy Okoro said the outreach was part of Rotary’s humanitarian efforts to extend healthcare services to underserved communities.
“We are here to commemorate World Hepatitis Day, recognised by the United Nations every July 28. As Rotarians, we are reaching out to a neighbouring community to provide health checks and treatments that will enable them to live healthier lives,” she said.
Okoro highlighted the dangers of hepatitis, describing it as a silent killer that often remains undetected until it causes serious liver damage.
“Hepatitis attacks the liver, a vital organ that performs key functions like detoxification and metabolism. Without a healthy liver, the body cannot thrive. That’s why it’s critical to raise awareness and get tested early,” she said.
She explained that the district chose the Rugan Fulani community due to its proximity and vulnerability, saying, “This is one of our identified communities, and we felt it was right to begin our outreach here.
“Other Rotary clubs across District 9127 are also engaging in similar efforts in their adopted communities”.
Confirming that over 100 residents were expected to benefit from the intervention, including adults and children, Okoro stressed, “We don’t discriminate by age. We’re screening for hepatitis, malaria, and providing deworming tablets and essential drugs.
“Those who test negative for hepatitis are receiving the first dose of the vaccine today. They’ll get the second dose in August and complete the cycle in September. For those who test positive, we will provide medication and refer them to health facilities for follow-up care.”
The DG reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to sustained engagement and follow-up in the coming months, stressing, “This is not a one-off. We’ll be back next month for the second round of vaccinations and continuous care.”
Speaking on the medical implications of hepatitis, Dr. Patrick Eze, District Chair for Medical Missions and Hepatitis, explained the gravity of the disease.
“Hepatitis B and C are highly infectious, 10 times more than HIV, and primarily affect the liver. If untreated, they can lead to liver cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer,” he said.
Eze noted that while adults face serious risks, children born to infected mothers are in greater danger.
“If a baby contracts hepatitis B at birth, they may develop liver cancer by age 30 or 40. That’s why pregnant women who test positive must be treated early and their babies given preventive injections like hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth,” he explained.
On why children were not being tested during the outreach, Dr. Eze clarified, “Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunization covers hepatitis vaccination for infants at birth, six weeks, and twelve weeks.
“We are confident that many children in this community are already covered through the government’s primary healthcare programme. Rotary also supports this effort through its polio vaccination campaigns.”
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He stressed the importance of prevention, urging residents to adopt safer practices. “Hepatitis B is spread through unprotected sex, sharing sharp objects, and unsafe blood transfusions.
“In communities like this, local practices such as communal shaving with unsterilized blades can be a source of infection. That’s why we are also educating the people on safe hygiene and lifestyle habits,” Eze added.
Umar Lawal, the Wakili (community leader) of Rugan Fulani, expressed deep appreciation to Rotary for bringing healthcare to his people.
“I’m very happy to have Rotary here in our community. What they’ve brought today will have a big impact on my people. May God bless Rotary International for what they are doing for humanity,” he said.
