Kwara Bridge Health, ABS Foundation Mark 2026 World Hepatitis Day with Call for Early Testing

ILORIN — Kwara Bridge Health, in collaboration with the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation and the Young Medical Laboratory Scientist Forum, Kwara State Chapter, has commemorated the 2026 World Hepatitis Day with a sensitisation and health awareness programme focused on prevention, testing, and liver health.

The programme held at Okelele Primary Health Care Centre, Ibagun Ward, Ilorin East Local Government Area, was themed Let’s Break the Silence, Know Your Status, Protect Your Liver. Sponsored by the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, the initiative provided community members with information on viral hepatitis, the importance of early testing, and preventive measures against liver-related diseases.

Speaking at the event, Medical Laboratory Scientist Abdulhameed Ibrahim said accurate laboratory investigations are vital for effective diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. He described the medical laboratory profession as a critical component of healthcare delivery. Abdulhameed also called for professionalism, accuracy, and continuous learning among practitioners. He urged healthcare workers to show compassion to patients, noting that the well-being of the people should remain the primary goal of every health professional.

He further advocated for greater public understanding of the role of medical laboratory scientists and encouraged younger professionals to uphold ethics and contribute to the development of the healthcare sector. The organisers encouraged residents to take hepatitis testing seriously, stressing that early detection and proper medical care can prevent complications. They also called for increased public awareness and community participation to reduce the impact of the disease on families, as beneficiaries who attended the programme expressed appreciation to the organisers for the awareness drive and for providing them the opportunity to know their health status early.

Written by News Room