'Project 365’ Launches in Southern Kaduna to Tackle Viral Hepatitis Epidemic

By: Abubakar Labaran

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has launched “Project 365”—a constituency-based health initiative aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis across communities in Southern Kaduna.

Unveiled on Friday in Kafanchan in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the project seeks to improve access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and prevention services for more than 620,000 residents in the district.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, officially flagged off the programme, describing it as timely and people-focused. She commended the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving public health outcomes in the state.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Balarabe conveyed the governor’s support, noting that the intervention aligns with ongoing health sector reforms. She praised Senator Katung for demonstrating commitment to grassroots healthcare through a programme that directly addresses the needs of the people.

She highlighted viral hepatitis as a serious but often undetected public health threat, warning that many people live with the disease unknowingly due to late diagnosis. According to her, the initiative will boost awareness, encourage early testing, and expand access to treatment.

Dr. Balarabe also stressed preventive measures, noting that hepatitis B and C are commonly transmitted through infected blood and body fluids, unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions, and the sharing of sharp objects. She urged residents to embrace vaccination, safe medical practices, and routine testing.

In his remarks, Senator Katung described viral hepatitis as a “silent killer” responsible for numerous unnoticed deaths. He said Project 365 was developed to bridge healthcare gaps by taking services directly to communities, including rural areas, markets, schools, and places of worship.

The senator explained that the programme would offer free screening, vaccination, treatment support, and sustained awareness campaigns across the eight local government areas of the district—Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, Kagarko, Jaba, Kachia, and Kauru. He also called for collective efforts to address the stigma associated with the disease, emphasizing that hepatitis is a medical condition, not a moral issue.

A representative of the Coordinating Minister of State for Health, Dr. Michael Kingsley, said the initiative aligns with the health reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems. He noted that viral hepatitis remains a major health challenge, affecting an estimated 25 million Nigerians, and described the intervention as a critical step toward reaching underserved communities. He added that there are plans to expand the initiative nationwide across all federal constituencies and local government areas.

Other speakers reiterated the dangers of hepatitis and encouraged residents to take advantage of free testing and vaccination services. Traditional and religious leaders pledged support for awareness campaigns, while residents welcomed the initiative as a much-needed opportunity to access healthcare.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, described the programme as a sustainable approach to grassroots healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of long-term systems and partnerships. Similarly, the Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Peter Tanko, commended the initiative and pledged full mobilisation of residents, stressing the importance of knowing one’s health status.

Blueprint reports that the intervention is scheduled to run from April 13 to May 29, 2026, across primary healthcare centres in all eight local government areas of Kaduna South Senatorial District.