‘FG’s target of eradicating hepatitis C in 2022, realistic’

Efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration towards eradicating the deadly hepatitis C disease in the country have started yielding fruits as Pharco Corporation, an Egypt-based international pharmaceuticals company, is set to provide support for the nation’s Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) through the generation of awareness and provision of potent medication for the elimination of the disease in Nigeria.

In a space of less than three years, Pharco, partnering with the government of Egypt has successfully cured more that 1.9 million hepatitis C patients in Egypt. The same feat is currently being performed in Cameroon, Cote d’ Ivoir and Sudan by the company.

Pharco Corporation has harkened to the yearnings of Nigeria and keyed in to the government’s genuine efforts in eliminating hepatitis in Nigeria through its strategic Nigerian partner SEPAT Pharmaceuticals Limited.

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According to Ozo Pat Ifeanyi Oramah, the managing director of SEPAT, Pharco Corporation “is bringing into Nigeria its veritable experience, its success story across Africa in the elimination of the deadly disease. Pharco Corporation is eradicating hepatitis C in many African Countries by a product that is completely made in Egypt, thus suitable and efficacious for Africans.”

As part of the measures already put in place towards ensuring that the 2022 date set aside for the elimination of hepatitis in Nigeria becomes realistic, Ozo Oramah disclosed that Pharco would soon commence a country-wide screening exercise where over 15,000 rapid tests are conducted for early detection of antibodies and hepatitis.

Furthermore, Oramah said that his company would also partner with the Ministry of Health in monitoring, through its diagnostic partner company, to reduce and save cost, adding that the monitoring exercise would be followed up with the provision of technical training of PRC handling and maintenance of its equipment.

Another key area the international corporation will be supporting Nigeria is in the much-needed engendering of awareness,  where Ozo Oramah explained that the major targets will be students in higher institutions, market women, artisans and the aged.

In a compressive campaign, in line with international best practices, “the International Club of Hepatitis C powered by Pharco will be extended through the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria spreading awareness brochures and through on- ground and social media campaigns.

“The vision of our partners, Pharco of Egypt, through the initiative and passionate drives of the CEO Dr. Sherin Helmy – Africa Free of Hepatitis C 2025 Initiative- is to eliminate hepatitis C in Africa by 2025.

“With the laudable programmes and the commitment of the present government in Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health, we are convinced that with the right synergies and partnerships, the 2022 date set to eradicate the disease by Buhari’s administration is feasible.

Pharco Corporation and SEPAT are committed to it, and we will do all within our means towards attaining the goal.” Oramah added.

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The virus is spread with contaminated blood, like from sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment.

Over 100,000 cases are reported yearly in Nigeria but majority of the cases are not reported because over 90 per cent of sufferers are not aware of their infection status until it becomes severe or fatal.

Africa has the highest estimated regional HCV prevalence (5.3%). Genotypes commonly found in Africa are 1, 4, and 5. Genotype 3 is found in parts of Central Africa

On the African continent, hepatitis has remained a major killer of people with a vast majority of patients unaware of their infection status until it becomes chronic or fatal. The World Health Organization says millions of people die yearly as a result of the disease in Africa.  According to WHO 2017 Report, Africa has the highest estimated regional HCV prevalence of 5.3%, with Nigeria having a high prevalence of HCV; especially in the Northern part (2.2%).

Worried by this frightening situation, the Federal Ministry of Health commenced a sensitization program to expand awareness among the general population and ensuring that half of hepatitis C patients were aware of their infection status by 2020.

In addition, the ministry wanted 50% of the patients to receive treatment by 2020; 90% cured by 2020 and Nigeria, totally free of hepatitis C by 2022.