Viral Hepatitis: Deaconess Oborevwori Rallies Stakeholders for Improved Healthcare in Delta

Wife of Delta Governor and founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has called on stakeholders in the health sector to support the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s administration in providing quality healthcare for Deltans.

Deaconess Oborevwori made this call on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, when a delegation from the State Ministry of Health and representatives of Hepatitis B Foundation and Hepatitis B Advocacy Group paid her a courtesy visit at the Government House, Asaba.

The governor’s wife while urging the medical teams to support the healthcare programs captured in her pet project and in the MORE Agenda centred on the welfare of Deltans, assured to champion the campaign on preventive measures against viral hepatitis in the state.

“I have listened to your speech and I am glad we are on the same page. My pet project the You Matter Charity Foundation where everybody is somebody, is poised to make sure Deltans are healthy. With our programs on healthcare, I am convinced that a large number of persons will be given medical attention. We can work together to achieve this goal.

“I am also glad that you are familiar with the M.O.R. E. agenda of my dear Husband, His Excellency, Rt.  Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. My humble request is that you give more support to these people-oriented programs of the Governor for the good of all Deltans”, Deaconess Oborevwori stated.

She further commended the Hepatitis B Foundation and other institutions for sustained research in the development of preventive vaccines against viral hepatitis.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director of Medical Services, Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Iwegbu said the visit was to amplify the pressing public health issue of viral hepatitis in the state, noting that, ‘’the viral hepatitis, specifically hepatitis B and C, are silent but devastating epidemics that pose significant threats to the health and well-being of our citizens”.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori receiving souvenirs from Dr. Catherine Freeland of the Hepatitis B Foundation

He disclosed that a projection of 5% of the total population in Delta state; representing not less than 300,000 persons, currently live with chronic viral hepatitis and are at risk of developing liver cancer. “I believe that with your Excellency’s You Matter Charity Foundation which encapsulates the concept of universal health coverage, we can make a substantial difference in tackling viral hepatitis B and C in the state.”

Dr. Iwegbu, advocated for the inclusion of hepatitis B and C management into the state health insurance scheme and free screening for pregnant women during antenatal care, increased availability and affordability of testing and treatment for the viral disease, statewide awareness campaign to educate Deltans about viral hepatitis, advocacy for anti-discrimination measures and expanded access to Hepatitis B vaccination, increased availability and affordability of testing, and training and retraining of Health Care Workers to increase the quality of life for those affected, reduce the occurrence of new infections and horizontal and vertical transmission from mother to child.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori receiving souvenirs from representatives of the State Ministry of Health.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of souvenirs to Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori by the state Ministry of Health and Dr. Catherine Freeland, Associate Director of Public Health Research at Hepatitis B Foundation, United States.