SOGHIN Calls on Government to Tackle Rising Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Cases

The Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) has called on the Nigerian federal government to tackle the rising rates of viral hepatitis and liver cancer, as well as their effects on public health and economic conditions across the nation.

They mentioned that because liver transplant services are not available in Nigeria and the expenses involved in obtaining such treatments overseas are very high, the care and handling of viral hepatitis and liver cancer in Nigeria should receive financial support.

A statement issued by Prof. Abdulfatai Olokoba and Dr. Abubakar Maiyaki, who serve as the president and secretary-general of SOGHIN, highlighted the reduced attention being paid by government authorities and their indifferent approach towards financing efforts related to the detection, management, and study of viral hepatitis and liver cancer within the nation.

The event concluded after its 17th scientific conference and annual general assembly, which focused on the topic "Climate Change and Gastrointestinal Health."

Despite recognizing the worsening situation regarding security and the large-scale departure of experienced healthcare workers—such as gastroenterologists and endoscopy nurses—who are pursuing improved prospects overseas, they called on authorities at every level to implement the World Health Organization (WHO) plan designed to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

They stated that launching Nigeria's initial liver transplantation initiative might be realized by enhancing collaboration between SOGHIN, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), the African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), and the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS).

They called on the federal government to tackle fraudulent practices within the health care industry, specifically regarding the handling of digestive system disorders, such as the identification and management of viral hepatitis.

To guarantee the security of citizens across Nigeria, they highlighted that the federal government must address the problem of talent loss by developing supportive environments for medical professionals, generating high-income opportunities, ensuring sufficient financial support for the healthcare system, and introducing regional benefits to change the present situation along with enacting more efficient changes.

Experts additionally cautioned that climate change affects digestive well-being in Nigeria and places a significant strain on healthcare services and the economic sector.

RELATED READ: Hepatitis B and C are significant contributors to liver cancer — Gastroenterologist

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).