By Blessing Bature
The Rotary Club of Abuja Bwari has called for increased awareness of hepatitis and regular screening to curb the spread of the disease, stressing that early detection and timely treatment remain critical to reducing its burden.
The club made the call during a medical outreach programme held in Chika Community, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), to commemorate the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
The outreach featured free hepatitis screening, health education and other medical services aimed at improving access to preventive healthcare, particularly for underserved residents.
Speaking during the programme, the Assistant Governor of Rotary, Rotarian Shola Ayanronke Adeleke, said the initiative reflects the club’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities through awareness campaigns, preventive healthcare and support for vulnerable families.
She noted that early diagnosis and timely treatment remain critical in reducing the burden of hepatitis, urging residents to take advantage of available screening and vaccination services to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Held under the theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” the outreach featured free hepatitis screening, counselling, vaccination and interactive health education sessions. Medical personnel also educated participants on the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of hepatitis while encouraging healthy lifestyle practices.
“Beyond hepatitis awareness, the Rotary Club expanded the outreach to address maternal and child health. Mothers and caregivers received sensitisation on the importance of antenatal, prenatal and postnatal care, as well as routine childhood immunisation to safeguard the health of both mothers and children”.
“Children in the community also benefited from deworming services, while expectant mothers and families received essential maternal and child health items to support better healthcare outcomes”.
