Rivers State Steps Up Fight Against Hepatitis with Free Testing and Treatment
In commemoration of the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, the Rivers State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the state’s healthcare system. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the administration is actively expanding its healthcare response to ensure that every resident has access to quality, affordable, and timely medical services.
Speaking during a state-wide broadcast to mark the event in Port Harcourt, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health emphasized the critical importance of collective action against viral hepatitis. This year’s theme underscores the urgency of accelerating fight-back measures, a call that Rivers State is answering through concrete, accessible interventions.
Expanding Access: Free Testing and Treatment
To directly address the burden of hepatitis, the Rivers State Government has rolled out a comprehensive statewide program offering free hepatitis testing and treatment. This initiative is designed to remove the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from knowing their status and accessing life-saving care. Key highlights of the expanded response include:
- Widespread Free Screening: Mobile health clinics and primary healthcare centers across the 23 Local Government Areas are now equipped to provide rapid hepatitis B and C testing at no cost.
- Subsidized and Free Treatment: Patients who test positive will be integrated into the state’s subsidized treatment pathways, receiving essential antiviral medications and counseling.
- Capacity Building: Training programs have been intensified for healthcare workers to improve early detection, proper management, and clinical care for hepatitis patients.
A Vision for Sustainable Healthcare
Governor Fubara’s administration views healthcare not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right. By integrating hepatitis services into the primary healthcare framework, Rivers State is building a resilient system capable of preventing chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, and liver cancer caused by untreated hepatitis infections.
Health officials have urged residents to take advantage of these free services, reminding the public that early detection saves lives. Through continuous public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and political will, Rivers State is paving the way toward a hepatitis-free future, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the journey toward universal health coverage.
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