Stimulated by the efforts of the Nigerian government towards eradicating the deadly hepatitis disease in the country, an Egypt based pharmaceuticals giant, Pharco Corporation has stepped in to ensure that the country's desire to eradicate the disease in Nigeria in 2022 becomes realistic.

Towards this end, Pharco Corporation would through its strategic partner in Nigeria, SEPAT Pharmaceuticals Limited be providing the country with the much needed awareness programs and potent medication for the treatment and eradication of the killer disease.

Marking the World Hepatitis Day today (28-07-19) Pharco would be involving in media sensitization programe and health talks on hepatitis in some markets and parks as prelude to its comprehensive awareness activities that would be taken to all the higher institutions, major markets, motor parks and other places across the nation, later in the year.

According to CEOAFRICA findings, Phaco, had in a space of about three years (2016-2019), partnering with the government of Egypt successfully cured more than 1.9 Million hepatitis C patients in Egypt. The same feat is currently being performed in Cameroon, Cote d'voir and Sudan by the company.

The Managing Director of SEPAT, Ozo Pat Ifeanyi Oramah disclosed in a release to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day that Pharco Corporation: "is bringing into Nigeria its out-and-out 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 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 his company would soon commence a country wide screening exercise where over 15,000 rapid tests are conducted for early detection of antibodies and hepatitis.

Oramah further disclosed that Pharco 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 would be supporting Nigeria is in the much needed engendering of awareness,  where Ozo Oramah explained that the major targets would be students in higher institutions, market women, artisans and the aged.

In a compressive campaign, suiting 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 programs 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 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.