The Healing Heart Foundation, an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to curtail the spread of hepatitis by making its vaccine, screening, and treatment-free and readily available in hospitals across the country.

Mrs. Sophy Mbanisi, Founder of the NGO, gave the advice in commemoration of the “World Hepatitis Day” on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mbanisi said that the free treatment would enable many to know their status and in the long run, help in stemming the spread of the disease.

According to her, the funding, which is part of the universal health coverage is worth investing in, as this will be a public health approach to the elimination of the disease in the country.

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is celebrated every year on July 28 to spread awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can cause severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer.

Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known by its various variants, like A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are several risk factors, such as excessive consumption of alcohol, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions.

Mbanisi said it was high time hospitals, especially Federal and Local Government health centers, made the vaccine free, readily available, and accessible to all.

A survey in some hospitals in the country revealed that the hepatitis vaccine was available only once or twice a week in some hospitals.

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Mbanisi explained that the availability and wide circulation of the hepatitis vaccine would help to reduce the spread of the ailment, noting that it was necessary to raise awareness of its dangers.

She lamented that many Nigerians were ignorant of how deadly hepatitis could be, advising that people should go for screening to know their hepatitis status and commence treatment early if need be.

“Many do not know their hepatitis status because its screening and treatment are not free.

“If the vaccine should be free, that would encourage citizens to get tested, know their status, and get vaccinated.

“Because Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C come with little or no symptoms, it is necessary to get vaccinated to prevent spread,” she said.