Ilorin: The Advocates for Orphaned Children (AOC) on Saturday screened no fewer than 300 beneficiaries for Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS across orphanages in Kwara. The free medical exercise was held at City of Refuge Orphanage Home, the Islamic Orphanage Home, and Takasko Life Care Initiative in Ilorin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Executive Director of AOC, Dr. Emmanuel Babalola, explained that the screening is a two-day programme across selected orphanages in the state. He noted that children and caregivers were tested for HIV and Hepatitis, with only two results showing reactive outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every child has access to good health, emphasizing the importance of the event by stating, ‘Today is not just another event. It is a statement that every child matters and deserves good health and an opportunity to thrive.’
Dr. Babalola commended the Kwara Government for its support towards the initiative and life-saving intervention for the orphanages. The Desk Officer of Kwara Viral Hepatitis B, Mrs. Bilqees Alaya, highlighted the state’s efforts to equip health facilities to prevent Hepatitis, particularly by offering prophylaxis to pregnant women who test positive for viral Hepatitis from the third trimester until delivery.
Mrs. Alaya warned about the dangers associated with the viral infection, noting that it could remain asymptomatic in adults for over two decades. She pointed out that a significant number of children are at risk of contracting the virus, which could lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. She praised the organizers and partners for making educational assessments and essential health services accessible to vulnerable children.
The Kwara Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Imam, underscored the importance of education and good health as fundamental pillars of a child’s development. Represented by the Director of Social Welfare of the ministry, Alhaji Amusat Fatai, Dr. Imam applauded the free screening initiative as a commendable effort towards addressing these critical areas.
In her remarks, Mrs. Munirat Akanbi-Bello, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Chapter, emphasized the need for public education on containing HIV and other viral infections. She advocated for regular screenings for early detection and urged residents to remain aware of the prevalence of viral diseases in the community.