World Hepatitis Day: Bayelsa SASCP Advocacy Team Visits FMC Yenagoa to Strengthen Elimination Efforts

Yenagoa — 28th July, 2026

In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day 2026, the Advocacy Team of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health AIDS and STI Control Programme (SASCP), led by Programme Manager, Ogoinja Amaitari, paid a courtesy visit to the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi.

The visit was aimed at sensitizing healthcare providers on the urgent need to eliminate barriers to hepatitis prevention, testing, care, and treatment, while also addressing the stigma and discrimination often associated with viral hepatitis.

Speaking during the visit, the SASCP team reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and other strategic partners to enhance public awareness, promote early diagnosis, and ensure that individuals living with hepatitis receive timely and quality care.

According to the team, eliminating viral hepatitis requires a collaborative approach that bridges gaps in access, strengthens health systems, and empowers communities with accurate information.

In his response, the Medical Director of FMC Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi, commended the SASCP Advocacy Team for the timely initiative. He assured the team of the hospital’s dedication to supporting all efforts geared towards eliminating viral hepatitis through strengthened awareness creation, early detection, and linkage to care.

He noted that FMC Yenagoa remains committed to providing patient-centered services that uphold dignity and eliminate discrimination for all persons affected by viral hepatitis.

World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, is a global call to action to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and drive efforts towards its elimination as a public health threat.