The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and the Edo State Ministry of Health, has joined the global community to commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2026, with the theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”.
The event was held at Urhopota Hall in Benin City on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The celebration featured free hepatitis testing, free blood pressure and BMI checks, free counseling and referrals, and an awareness campaign to educate residents on prevention, early detection, and treatment of hepatitis, while promoting access to essential healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, thanked residents for attending and encouraged them to take their health seriously by going for regular hepatitis screening.
Dr. Oshiomhole explained that people who test negative for hepatitis can receive the vaccine to protect themselves, while those who test positive will be linked to treatment services. He also advised residents to avoid sharing needles and ensure that procedures such as circumcision, tattooing, ear piercing, and other activities involving sharp objects are carried out with clean and safe equipment.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Coulson, explained that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, mostly caused by viral infections such as Hepatitis B and C. He noted that common symptoms of the disease include yellowing of the eyes, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, and nausea. Dr. Coulson went on to identify some major risk factors associated with hepatitis transmission, including sharing needles and sharp objects, unsafe blood transfusions, unprotected sexual contact, and poor hygiene practices.
He explained that the initiative was fully sponsored by the Edo State Government as part of efforts to improve access to preventive healthcare services.
While sensitizing the public, the Assistant Medical Officer of Health for Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Ameze Ohenhen, explained that World Hepatitis Day is dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis, a disease that can spread easily from one person to another but receives insufficient public attention despite its health impact.
Dr. Ohenihen further stated that hepatitis can affect the liver and may lead to serious health complications if not detected and treated early. He urged residents to undergo regular hepatitis screening and to receive the hepatitis vaccine when necessary.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Edith Ehigiator, expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for organizing the program, saying the screening was free and no participant was asked to pay any money.
The event attracted partners, EDSPHCDA directors, MDAs’ leaders, market women, healthcare workers, nursing students, and members of the public.
The outreach provided free screening, health counseling, and referral services for residents who required further medical attention.
