Alarming Rise of Hepatitis in Filiya Community Amidst Government Inaction

Strategic Insights -

The residents of Filiya community in Shongom Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State are facing an acute crisis as the number of Hepatitis cases continues to soar, with community health officials warning of an impending public health disaster. Despite the efforts of officials to educate the public on the disease's transmission, the lack of a general hospital or cottage hospital in the LGA and inadequate medical personnel have hindered the effective treatment and management of the disease. As a result, suspected cases are being referred to the state Specialist Hospital in Gombe, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 50 positive cases of Hepatitis have been identified and recorded in the last 3 months in Filiya and its surrounding communities alone.
  • 4 out of 10 suspected cases tested in the last week turned out to be positive.
  • The community health officer, Bachile Alhassan, has called for the state government's intervention to address the crisis.
  • The LGA has not been able to effectively treat or manage the disease due to the non-availability of the needed health facility.
  • The community has only one primary health care facility, with a high patient load of between 30 and 40 inpatients daily.
  • Officials from the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) have been reached out to but remain unavailable.
  • The chairman of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) coalition, Malam Alhassan Yahya, has urged the state government to intervene in the crisis.

Statistics:

  • 50 positive cases of Hepatitis recorded in the last 3 months in Filiya and its surrounding communities.
  • 4 out of 10 suspected cases tested in the last week turned out to be positive.
  • 30-40 inpatients daily at the primary health care facility.

Sources:

  • "Filiya community cries out over high incidence of Hepatitis," Daily Sun, no date.
  • Interview with Bachile Alhassan, Community Health Officer and Manager of Filiya Primary Health Center (PHC).
  • Interview with Malam Alhassan Yahya, Chairman of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) coalition.