The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Plateau State Branch, was among the key partners that joined the Plateau State Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), APIN Public Health Initiatives, and other stakeholders to commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2026 in Jos.
Held under the theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” the event renewed the call for greater awareness, early testing, vaccination, treatment, and stronger partnerships to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
In his address, the *Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong*, urged residents to know their hepatitis status through early testing and assured that the State Government is expanding access to screening, vaccination, and treatment services across all 17 Local Government Areas in collaboration with partners.
As part of activities marking the day, stakeholders embarked on a road walk from the Old Airport Roundabout to Crispan Hotel at 8:00 a.m. to raise public awareness on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. In addition, free hepatitis screening services were rolled out at three government hospitals across the state, commencing a day before the main event and continuing throughout the commemoration to encourage residents to know their hepatitis status and access appropriate care.
Delivering the keynote address, *Prof. Duguru Mary John,* Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, highlighted the major routes of hepatitis transmission, including transfusion of unscreened blood, unprotected sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, and the sharing of unsterilized sharp objects. She urged the public to embrace vaccination, insist on screened blood for transfusions, practice safe sex, and ensure the use of sterile instruments to reduce transmission.
Representing the *Chairman of APHPN Plateau State Branch, Prof. Chundung Miner, Dr. Franca Dabang,* who also served on the planning committee, delivered the Association’s goodwill message. She reaffirmed APHPN’s commitment to supporting evidence-based interventions, strengthening public health systems, and working closely with government and development partners to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The event brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, and civil society organizations in a united effort to break barriers to hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
As Plateau State continues to strengthen its response to viral hepatitis, APHPN Plateau State Branch remains committed to lending its technical expertise and professional voice towards achieving a hepatitis-free society through collaboration, advocacy, and evidence-based public health action.
*Dr. Onyike Abraham Onyike*
*Public Relations Officer, APHPN*
*Plateau State Branch*
