The Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Health, has stepped up efforts to combat viral hepatitis through a public awareness campaign held at the Emir's Palace in Ilorin to commemorate the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.

The sensitisation programme, themed "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down," focused on educating residents on the prevention, early detection and treatment of viral hepatitis.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr Bola Abdulkadir, described hepatitis as a silent disease that often progresses without noticeable symptoms but can be prevented and effectively managed through early diagnosis.

"Hepatitis is a silent but preventable disease. Regular screening, vaccination and early treatment are essential to reducing complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer," he said.

Dr Abdulkadir reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat in Kwara State through sustained awareness campaigns, expanded screening programmes and improved access to treatment.

Also speaking, the Hepatitis Desk Officer at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Mrs Alaya Gbemisola, encouraged residents to take advantage of available hepatitis testing and vaccination services.

She noted that raising public awareness, promoting early diagnosis and ensuring access to treatment remain critical steps towards eliminating viral hepatitis.

"We encourage everyone to know their hepatitis status," she said.

Participants also received health education from Dr Bababode Bojuwoye of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), who spoke on the causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, prevention and management of viral hepatitis.

The event also featured free hepatitis screening, medical tests and counselling services, while health professionals educated participants on healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical check-ups in preventing liver-related diseases.

The awareness campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by KWASUTH and the Kwara State Ministry of Health to improve public knowledge of hepatitis and support national and global targets aimed at eliminating the disease as a major public health concern.