The study of epidemiology is crucial to understanding the issues related to hepatitis C in Nigeria. In a recent interview with Hepatitis Awareness Activist, Adakole on World Hepatitis Day, revelations were made on the need for increased vigilance against this viral disease.
Adakole underlined the urgency of early diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease to limit liver damage, specifying that hepatitis C is an infection that progressively damages the liver, leaving it scarred and vulnerable to serious complications. such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. These complications can lead to liver failure, thereby endangering the lives of infected individuals.
He also highlighted the lack of awareness and gaps in hepatitis C testing in Nigeria, stressing the need for public health campaigns aimed at informing the population about the risks involved in the absence of appropriate treatment . He stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms potentially linked to cirrhosis, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, jaundice, bruising, and swelling in the abdomen and legs.
Furthermore, Adakole warned against excessive alcohol consumption, which can aggravate liver problems and promote the development of cirrhosis. He pointed out that, in addition to alcohol, other non-alcoholic causes such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, linked to obesity and metabolic diseases, as well as chronic hepatitis, are significant risk factors for diseases. chronic liver disease.
It is essential that the government invests in accessible and affordable treatment options to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, can receive the care they need. In addition, raising awareness about hepatitis C prevention and efforts to eliminate this disease by 2030 are major avenues for improving public health and reducing the prevalence of cirrhosis.
In conclusion, the fight against hepatitis C must be a top priority for the health authorities and the people of Nigeria. A multi-layered approach, integrating awareness, early detection, and access to appropriate treatments, is crucial to reverse the current trend and protect the health of individuals exposed to this silent but devastating disease.