Medical Lab Scientists Conduct Free Hepatitis Screening in Lagos, Raise Awareness

Sunday Ehigiator

As part of activities marking the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, the Surulere Chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) recently organised a free hepatitis screening outreach at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, offering residents a chance to know their status and receive health education on the dangers of the disease.

The outreach brought together medical laboratory professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to screen residents for hepatitis B and C, educate them on modes of transmission, and promote preventive practices.

Speaking at the event, a medical laboratory scientist, Mr. Daniel Obichi, described hepatitis as a silent killer that does not receive as much attention as other viral infections despite its deadly impact. 

“Hepatitis is not gender sensitive. Anyone, man, woman, or child can be infected. That’s why we are here today, to raise awareness and encourage people to get tested,” he said.

Obichi stressed that while hepatitis could be transmitted through blood and, to a lesser extent, sexual contact, it was not a death sentence if detected early.

“With proper medical management, people living with hepatitis can live healthy and productive lives,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of AMLSN Surulere Chapter, Osuagwu Nonyelum, emphasised the importance of regular screening and preventive measures.

“Hepatitis is highly infectious, up to 100 times more than HIV and it’s a major public health concern. Many people are unaware of their status, and this poses a danger to communities,” he said.

He noted that World Hepatitis Day, commemorated globally every July 28, remains a key moment for the association to reach out to the public.

“Despite the economic challenges, we are committed to sustaining this annual outreach, which we’ve been doing for five years now in Surulere. Our goal is to reach more people, educate them, and hopefully reduce the burden of hepatitis in our communities,” he added.

According to Nonyelum, over 1.2 million Nigerians are estimated to be hepatitis positive, with thousands of related deaths recorded annually.