The Cross River State Governmment says it is currently running a free health care services to children under the age of five, pregnant women and elderly persons above 70 years.
Cross River State Governor Sen Bassey Edet Otu, announced this at the launching ceremony and dissemination of Cross River State Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan, 2024-2026, in Calabar.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said they need people’s support to sustain the programme in a manner that will be accessible to the vulnerable in the society.
He appealed to the international organization to come to their aid for improved healthcare delivery to it citizenry.
While reiterated his determination in ensuring that viral hepatitis is totally eradicated Dr Ayuk, said prevalence rate in Cross River is 8.9.
Meanwhile, In a concerted effort Cross River State Government in collaboration with health development partners have unveiled a 3-year thematic plan to tackle the disease in the state.
Accordingly, the work plan has become a veritable tool in thematically fashioning out ways of tackling the menace.
Also, adopts a workable strategy of preventing the spread of the disease with utmost dispatched.
“There’s needed leadership that the people’s first governor has provided,” said Dr Ayuk.
Also, “what we require now is full participation from partners and relevant Stakeholders to enable us implement the policy plan,” he added.
Nevertheless, “Let us also build our conscious effort towards preventive determinants.”
Moreover, “asking ourselves what we can do now in ensuring that hepatitis does not manifest in any form along the health line in the state.”
“Let me state here that Viral Hepatitis is a challenge that must be addressed appropriately.”
Ayuk said It was for this reason that the government rolled out healthcare plans.
Furthermore, he promised to restructure “Health Insurance Scheme to carter for the healthcare needs of our people,” he said.
In addition, “we cannot have a comprehensive healthcare delivery without an insurance scheme in place especially at primary level,” he explained.
He stressed the need for more funding from donor agencies to enable the state build the needed capacities of healthcare delivery personnel.
In particular, “the state is challenged with paucity of funds,” the Governor said.
He assured to release “Whatever appropriated for health sector in the 2024 budget.”
However, he warned managers of funds to ensure that they utilize them effectively and efficiently.
Meanwhile, Dr Victor Adepoju, of Jhpiego Nigeria, said two people die of viral hepatitis every second globally.
During the launch of a strategic plan, he announced that his organization will be glad to work with the state in ensuring the implementation of the strategic plan to the later.
“Let me assure you of our dedication, commitment and hope that this document will not just remain the way others used to be.”
Dr Adepoju, said they are going to personalize it, and work assiduously in ensuring that they have a state that is free of viral hepatitis.
Others who spoke during the launching included Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey and State Director, World Health Organization, Dr. Yewande Olatunde.
They highlighted the purpose of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.
For instance, they said it focused in ensuring that the citizenry benefits from quality, accessible, affordable health care services.
“We will work with you in ensuring the full implementation of the plan for the wellbeing of the people of the state,” they added.
The Director General Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Vivian Otu, observed ways to totally eliminate the disease from the society.
She said they include sensitizing the populace on the dangers associated with the disease and raising funds.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Cross River State Chapter, Doctor Felix Archibong, recalled how they lost their secretary to hepatitis 12 years ago.
Afterward, he noted that hepatitis is not a respecter of anybody.
Therefore, he pledged, to eliminate hepatitis from the state by being at the forefront.