Nigerians have been urged to equip themselves with basic knowledge about the causes and symptoms of hepatitis and adopt preventive measures as part of their daily lives.
Project PINK BLUE emphasised the importance of this awareness to prevent liver cancer, which not only poses life-threatening risks to individuals but also has significant economic implications for communities and the nation as a whole.
Chinyere Okwu, the Programme Coordinator of Project PINK BLUE, made this statement during a recent community outreach in Kabusa, Kubwa, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a part of the organization’s CHOKE Liver Cancer Project, supported by Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation.
The hepatitis awareness, screening and vaccination in the rural community, according to Okwu, aims to support awareness on hepatitis, screening and vaccination to prevent liver cancer in underserved communities in Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger States.
“Hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cancer, which is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in Nigeria.
According to the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022, 4,382 Nigerians were diagnosed with liver cancer, and 4,252 people died of the disease; hence, only 130 Nigerians diagnosed with liver cancer survived.
“For this reason, liver cancer has been labeled a silent killer because it does not have symptoms in its early stages. People begin to see the symptoms of liver cancer at the late stages of the disease.
“Early detection and vaccination are proven strategies to prevent hepatitis infections and reduce the incidence of liver cancer.
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“By providing accessible screening and vaccination services, Project PINK BLUE’s Choke Liver Cancer project aims to save lives and improve health outcomes in Nigeria”, Runcie Chidebe, Executive Director, of Project PINK BLUE said.
On the choice of the rural community for the PINK BLUE’s intervention, Okwu said, “Our goal is to empower the Kabusa community with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent hepatitis, foster early detection and encourage vaccination.
“Through these efforts, we can significantly reduce the impact of this dreadful disease in underserved communities. With the support of ACT Foundation, we are reaching the heart of the community to make a difference.”
During the outreach, the community received free Hepatitis B and C screenings, identifying individuals at risk of liver cancer.
Vaccinations against Hepatitis B were also provided to target one of the leading causes of the disease, aiding in its prevention.
Attendees benefited from one-on-one counselling sessions, with referrals made for those needing specialized care.
Additionally, educational sessions on liver cancer prevention, symptoms, and treatment options were conducted, ensuring participants were equipped with valuable health knowledge.
Educational materials were also distributed, allowing individuals to continue learning about liver health at home.
As part of the initiative, the community was introduced to both qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess liver cancer and hepatitis awareness.
Okwu explained that Project PINK BLUE provided these services because “Early detection can make a crucial difference, and vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing hepatitis infections and liver cancer.
“Project PINK BLUE is dedicated to improving public health through preventive care, education, and community outreach. Our mission is to stimulate actions against cancer and promote early diagnosis.”
Responding on behalf of the community, the Palace Secretary, Ezekiel Bitrus commended Project PINK BLUE and ACT Foundation for bringing the Choke Liver Cancer programme to the community.
“We are happy to be remembered for such a programme.
“I am aware that hepatitis is a deadly disease and I am excited that my community will learn how to prevent it and vaccinate against it at no cost. We do not take your generosity for granted”.