The Lagos State Government has commenced a four-day residential training program aimed at enhancing the capacity of medical officers in secondary health facilities for improved management of viral hepatitis cases.
The training, organised by the Ministry of Health with support from the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results, kicked off on Monday at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki.
A Tuesday statement noted that the Director of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, in her welcome address, emphasised the significance of the training in tackling viral hepatitis, a highly infectious disease of public health importance.
“This training will equip medical officers with adequate knowledge and skills to manage patients with viral hepatitis in general hospitals across Lagos State,” she stated.
She added that the program aimed to ensure access to care in all health facilities, a step towards achieving the World Health Organisation’s target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
“This residential training program, scheduled to end on Thursday, November 28, 2024, aligns with the state’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and achieve sustainable health outcomes. It will also pave the way for subsequent training sessions involving laboratory scientists and other healthcare personnel,” she said.
Egunjobi reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that every Lagosian has access to quality healthcare services.
“We are a responsible government, and this training is a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare delivery,” she said.
In her opening remarks, the Coordinator of SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, stressed the urgency of addressing the knowledge gap among healthcare workers regarding viral hepatitis.
“Many healthcare workers, including doctors, lack sufficient knowledge about viral hepatitis, and this training is a step toward bridging that gap,” she said.
