From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
The Yakubu Gowon Centre for National Unity and International Community on Viral Hepatitis Project has commenced free testing and treatment of patients with viral Hepatitis in Taraba State.
The National Coordinator of the project Mr Adeyeye Ajayi, who disclosed this in Jalingo, said that the Centre was working with support form the North East Development Commission that has donated about Two Thousand doses of viral Hepatitis Vaccines for the project.
He disclosed that the project covers the Three Senatorial districts in the state and urged the people to take advantage of the opportunity as viral Hepatitis is now considered one of the major killer diseases in the country and urge patients to resist the temptation to resort to herbal remedies.
The Centre boss said that some of the activities to be carried out include advocacy, sensitization, screening, and vaccination of two thousand patients as part of the broader health intervention program by the NEDC.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the NEDC and the Yakubu Gowon Centre, also suggested that the screenings should become a monthly occurrence throughout the state.
Several beneficiaries admitted to previously seeking remedies from herbal homes due to ignorance but pledged to take advantage of the ongoing screening and treatment.