On Monday, July 28, the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases celebrated World Hepatitis Day in Al-Jazira State – Wad Madani, under the gracious patronage of the Governor of Al-Jazira State.
The celebration witnessed a large turnout of representatives from various ministries, hospital directors, banks, and different departments of the Ministry of Health. Guests from outside Sudan also participated via Zoom, adding a global dimension to the event.
The celebration began with a distinguished opening session featuring welcoming remarks from the Director of the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases and the Director of Al-Jazira Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Laparoscopic Surgery. This was followed by a speech from the President of the Sudanese Gastroenterology Society, and the session concluded with important remarks from the Minister of Health of Al-Jazira State, the Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Governor of Al-Jazira State, whose words inspired the attendees.
Following the opening session, the program moved to a rich scientific session that included various lectures aimed at raising awareness about viral hepatitis. It was emphasized that the Center celebrates this global day annually on July 28, with activities preceding and following the event, aiming to educate the public about hepatitis B. The lectures highlighted the high prevalence of the virus in Sudan and across Africa, stressing the importance of raising public awareness about the causes of infection.
The lectures also reassured those infected, emphasizing that the virus does not prevent marriage, work, or leading a normal life, while encouraging testing and vaccination, as immunization provides a high degree of protection against the disease.
The program highlighted that the virus can be transmitted through sharp instruments contaminated with blood, including everyday items such as razors, scissors, toothbrushes, and other tools that may be shared between individuals. Emphasis was placed on the importance of each person having their own personal tools.
The event also featured a free screening and vaccination campaign, during which 175 individuals were screened and many received their first vaccine dose, while some beneficiaries received their second and third doses.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat viral hepatitis, the Abu Zaid Screening and Vaccination Center will be inaugurated in Wad Madani, in coordination with the Primary Health Care Administration and the Local Health Affairs Director.
Let us all commit to early testing and vaccination and be active participants in community awareness against viral hepatitis.
#WHD2025 #WorldHepatitisDay #ProtectYourselfTestAndVaccinate
