July 28 is World Hepatitis Day — and this year, we’re making it simple. At CFID (Centre for Initiative & Development) in Taraba, we’re joining the global community to say: “Let’s Break It Down.” Because too many people still don’t understand what hepatitis is, how it spreads, or how easily it can be prevented and treated.
So, let’s break it down.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viruses like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. It can lead to serious health issues like liver cancer, liver failure, or death — especially if not diagnosed early.
How do you get it?
It spreads through:
- Blood (e.g., unsterile injections, unsafe transfusions)
- Sexual contact
- From mother to baby during childbirth
- Sharing razors, needles, or toothbrushes
Who is at risk?
Everyone.
But especially people who:
- Have never been vaccinated
- Don’t know their status
- Share sharp items or have unsafe sex
- Gave birth at home or in unsupervised settings
In Nigeria, over 20 million people live with hepatitis B or C. Many don’t know it until it’s too late.
What can be done?
Let’s break that down too.
✅ Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe vaccine
✅ Both B and C can be detected through a simple blood test
✅ Treatment exists – and when taken properly, it works
✅ Talking about hepatitis breaks the stigma
✅ Testing saves lives
What is CFID doing?
At CFID Taraba, we go where others don’t. We believe no one should suffer in silence—especially not in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Here’s how we’re responding:
- Free community hepatitis testing integrated into our HIV programs
- Sensitization outreaches through radio, town halls, and schools
- One-on-one counseling for individuals who test positive
- Training for local health workers to screen and support patients
- Vaccination advocacy, especially for children and pregnant women
We work in underserved communities, focusing on women, caregivers, children, and other vulnerable groups who often miss out on care.
Why this year matters more than ever:
Despite everything we know, millions still don’t understand hepatitis. That’s why this year’s theme — “Let’s Break It Down” — is so powerful. It’s a call to make hepatitis facts easy to understand and impossible to ignore.
We believe when people understand a disease, they can take steps to protect themselves and others.
Here’s How You Can Help:
- 📍 Get tested. Know your status.
- 📢 Talk about hepatitis. Break the silence.
- 🤝 Join the campaign. Spread the word.
- 💉 Advocate for vaccination. Especially for newborns and women.
- 📱 Follow CFID and share our updates. Every post could save a life.
Together, we can eliminate hepatitis in Nigeria — one person, one village, one step at a time.