Daily Archives: August 1, 2026

TAIMAKO CLINIC LEADS MASSIVE HEPATITIS B CAMPAIGN IN KEBBI
Over 200 Residents Screened as Alhaji Umar Idris Buro Flags Off Free Vaccination Programme
By Health Correspondent
Birnin Kebbi | July 28, 2026
Thousands of residents across Birnin Kebbi and neighbouring communities converged at Taimako Clinic and Maternity, No. 32 Emir Usman Road, Birnin Kebbi, on Tuesday as the hospital commemorated the 2026 World Hepatitis Day with a comprehensive community health outreach aimed at reducing the burden of Hepatitis B infection.
The event, held under the global theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” featured free Hepatitis B screening, post-test counselling, vaccination, medical consultation, public health education, and linkage to care for individuals requiring further medical evaluation.
The programme attracted traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, media organizations, youth groups, women associations and hundreds of members of the public.
Jagoran Siyasan Kebbi Commended for Sponsorship
The Managing Director of Taimako Clinic and Maternity expressed profound appreciation to Alhaji Umar Idris Buro (Jagoran Siyasan Kebbi and Sarkin Dawaki Gwandu) for sponsoring the programme and personally attending despite his demanding schedule.
According to the hospital management, his presence demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving community health and preventing viral hepatitis across Kebbi State.
The Managing Director also appreciated members of his entourage, political associates and supporters whose presence contributed immensely to the success of the event.
He assured participants that discussions are already ongoing to expand the programme to all twenty-one Local Government Areas of Kebbi State.
The clinic further pledged to work closely with the sponsor to ensure uninterrupted availability of Hepatitis B test kits, vaccines, medical consumables and essential medicines for both preventive and treatment services, thereby ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is denied care because of shortages.
CMD Calls for Free Care for Elderly Citizens
Delivering his opening address, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ketare Nathaniel, described viral hepatitis as a silent killer that can only be defeated through early diagnosis, vaccination and public education.
Dr. Nathaniel praised Alhaji Umar Idris Buro for becoming the first major sponsor of a community Hepatitis programme organized by the hospital.
He appealed for the sponsorship to be expanded to include free medical care for elderly men and women aged sixty years and above who suffer from diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
According to him, many elderly patients discontinue treatment because of financial hardship despite requiring lifelong medications.
He emphasized that strengthening support for vulnerable citizens would significantly reduce avoidable complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and premature death.
FULL SPEECH OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Writing
Address by the Chief Medical Director, Taimako Clinic and Maternity, on World Hepatitis Day 2026
Distinguished Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Umar Idris Buro, Jagoran Siyasan Kebbi and Sarkin Dawaki Gwandu; respected traditional and community leaders; invited guests; representatives of the media; fellow healthcare professionals; ladies and gentlemen.
It is my great honour to welcome you all to the 2026 World Hepatitis Day programme organized by Taimako Clinic and Maternity.
Today, we join millions of people around the world in raising awareness about Hepatitis B, a preventable disease that continues to affect millions of lives. Our theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” reminds us that through education, early diagnosis, vaccination and appropriate treatment, we can greatly reduce the burden of this disease.
On behalf of the management and staff of Taimako Clinic and Maternity, I sincerely appreciate our Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Umar Idris Buro, Jagoran Siyasan Kebbi and Sarkin Dawaki Gwandu, for accepting our invitation despite his demanding schedule. Your sponsorship and support have made it possible for hundreds of people to benefit from free screening, counselling and vaccination today.
This programme represents the first major sponsorship of this nature received by our facility, and we deeply appreciate your confidence in our mission to improve the health of our communities.
I respectfully appeal for your continued support so that this initiative can be expanded to every Local Government Area of Kebbi State. With sustained support, we can maintain adequate supplies of test kits, vaccines, medicines and other consumables while reaching more underserved communities.
I also wish to make a passionate appeal on behalf of our elderly citizens. Many men and women aged 60 years and above are living with hypertension and diabetes but cannot afford lifelong treatment. I humbly request support for programmes that will provide free or subsidized care for these vulnerable members of our society.
I thank all healthcare workers, volunteers, security personnel, media organizations and every participant for contributing to today’s successful programme.
Together, through partnership and compassion, we can build a healthier Kebbi State and move closer to eliminating Hepatitis B as a public health threat.
Thank you all, and may God bless you abundantly.
Colourful Cultural Performance Thrills Participants
One of the highlights of the event was the energetic cultural performance by popular Hausa musician Jamila (popularly known as “Ruwa Ruwa”).
Her performance combined entertainment with health education, using culturally relevant songs to encourage residents to know their Hepatitis B status, receive vaccination and avoid stigma against people living with hepatitis.
The audience responded enthusiastically, with many participants praising the innovative use of music to communicate important public health messages. The performance added colour and excitement to the programme while reinforcing the campaign’s message that prevention and early detection save lives.
Official Vaccination Flag-Off
The Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Umar Idris Buro, officially flagged off the Hepatitis B vaccination exercise amid applause from participants and invited guests.
Immediately after the symbolic vaccination, healthcare workers commenced large-scale screening, counselling and vaccination exercises.
Hospital officials disclosed that more than 200 participants, including men, women, children and pregnant women, benefited from the exercise.
As of the time this report was prepared, screening and laboratory analysis were still ongoing; therefore, the final number of participants who tested positive had not yet been confirmed.
Medical personnel had already begun confidential post-test counselling for individuals with reactive screening results and were conducting further clinical evaluation and confirmatory investigations where necessary before determining appropriate treatment and long-term follow-up.
The hospital emphasized that participants who tested negative and were eligible received Hepatitis B vaccination, while those requiring further care would be linked to appropriate medical services.
Community Applauds Initiative
Residents commended Taimako Clinic and Maternity for organizing one of the largest community Hepatitis B awareness programmes in Birnin Kebbi in recent years.
Many participants described the programme as timely, noting that the combination of health education, free screening, counselling and vaccination had improved public awareness and encouraged more people to know their Hepatitis B status.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar outreach programmes in collaboration with government agencies, development partners, philanthropists and community leaders to improve access to preventive healthcare throughout Kebbi State.

MULTILINGUAL HEALTH EDUCATION BECOMES THE HIGHLIGHT OF WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2026

A major highlight of the 2026 World Hepatitis Day celebration was the comprehensive public enlightenment campaign delivered in four major Nigerian languages. This unique initiative demonstrated Taimako Clinic and Maternity’s commitment to ensuring that every participant, regardless of language or educational background, clearly understood the dangers of Hepatitis B Viral Infection and the importance of prevention through vaccination, early diagnosis and appropriate medical care.

The multilingual presentations attracted widespread attention from participants, who described the initiative as one of the most educational and inclusive aspects of the programme. By communicating in English, Hausa, Yorùbá and Igbo, the medical team ensured that vital health information reached a broader audience and encouraged greater community participation.

NURSE ABUBAKAR UMARU

Presenter – English Version

Nurse Abubakar Umaru delivered the official English presentation, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of Hepatitis B Viral Infection. His presentation explained the meaning of hepatitis, the different types of viral hepatitis, the global and Nigerian burden of the disease, methods of transmission, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, available treatment and the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination.

He emphasized that Hepatitis B remains one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer but is largely preventable through vaccination and early screening. He encouraged participants to know their Hepatitis B status, receive vaccination if eligible, and seek appropriate medical care if they tested positive.

Complete English Presentation

(WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2026
Theme: Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down
Presented by: TAIMAKO CLINIC AND MATERNITY
Good morning/afternoon everyone.
Today, we join the rest of the world to mark World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on 28th July. This day reminds us that viral hepatitis remains a major public health problem, but it is also a disease that can be prevented, detected early, and treated.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver helps digest food, stores energy, and removes harmful substances from the body.
The common types are:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Today, our focus is Hepatitis B, because it is one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Global Situation
About 254 million people worldwide are living with chronic Hepatitis B.
More than 1 million people die each year from complications of viral hepatitis, mainly liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Many infected people do not know they have the infection because there may be no symptoms for years.
Nigeria Situation
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of Hepatitis B in Africa. It is estimated that about 8–12% of Nigerians are living with chronic Hepatitis B infection, meaning millions of people may be infected.
Unfortunately, many people are diagnosed only after developing serious liver disease.
Kebbi State
Like many states in northern Nigeria, Hepatitis B remains a significant health concern. Many residents have never been screened and do not know their status. Increasing awareness, testing, vaccination, and early treatment are essential to reducing the burden of the disease.
How Hepatitis B Spreads
It spreads through:
Contact with infected blood
Unprotected sexual intercourse
Sharing needles, razors, or clippers
From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
Unsafe medical procedures using unsterilized instruments
It is NOT spread by:
Handshakes
Hugging
Sharing food
Mosquito bites
Casual contact
Signs and Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms.
Others may experience:
Fever
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Prevention
Get vaccinated.
Screen before marriage and during pregnancy.
Use sterile needles and instruments.
Practice safe sex.
Do not share sharp objects.
Ensure babies receive Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth.
Treatment
There is no complete cure for chronic Hepatitis B, but effective medicines can control the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage.
Call to Action
Today, we encourage everyone to:
Know your Hepatitis B status.
Get vaccinated if you are negative.
Seek medical care if you test positive.
Encourage your family members to be screened.
Together, we can eliminate Hepatitis B as a public health threat.
Thank you.)

NURSE SIDDIKA ABDULKAREEM

Presenter – Hausa Version

Nurse Siddika Abdulkareem presented the Hausa version of the health education programme. She translated the key health messages into clear and simple Hausa language, enabling participants who were more comfortable with Hausa to understand the causes, transmission, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis B.

She encouraged community members to undergo routine screening, receive Hepatitis B vaccination and avoid sharing sharp objects such as razors and blades. She also emphasized the importance of antenatal screening for pregnant women and appealed to community members to share the knowledge with their families and neighbours.

Cikakken Bayani (Hausa Version)

(RANAR HEPATITIS TA DUNIYA
Assalamu Alaikum.
A yau muna bikin Ranar Hepatitis ta Duniya, wadda ake yi duk shekara a ranar 28 ga Yuli.
Menene Hepatitis?
Hepatitis cuta ce da ke haifar da kumburin hanta.
Akwai nau’o’I daban-daban:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
A yau za mu fi magana kan Hepatitis B.
Halin da ake ciki a Duniya
Miliyoyin mutane na fama da Hepatitis B, kuma sama da mutum miliyan guda na mutuwa duk shekara saboda cututtukan hanta da wannan kwayar cuta ke haifarwa.
Najeriya
A Najeriya, mutane da dama suna dauke da cutar ba tare da sun sani ba. Wannan ya sa ake bukatar a rika yin gwaji da wuri.
Jihar Kebbi
A Jihar Kebbi ma akwai mutane da yawa da ba su taba yin gwajin Hepatitis B ba. Saboda haka muna kira ga jama’a su zo a gwada su kuma su yi rigakafi.
Yadda ake kamuwa
Jinin mai cutar
Jima’I ba tare da kariya ba
Amfani da reza ko aska tare
Daga uwa zuwa jariri yayin haihuwa
Allura ko kayan aiki marasa tsafta
Ba ya yaduwa ta:
Musabaha
Runguma
Cin abinci tare
Sauro
Alamomi
Zazzabi
Gajiya
Rashin cin abinci
Amai
Idanu su yi rawaya
Fitsari mai duhu
Kariya
Yin rigakafi
Yin gwaji
Kada a rika amfani da reza tare
Yin amfani da kayan aiki masu tsafta
Yin jima’I cikin kariya
Kira ga Jama’a
Ku san matsayin lafiyarku. Ku yi gwaji. Ku yi rigakafi. Idan an gano kuna dauke da cutar, ku je asibiti domin kulawa.
Allah Ya ba mu lafiya.
Nagode.)

NURSE DAMILOLA OLUWADAMI AJAYI

Presenter – Yorùbá Version

Nurse Damilola Oluwadami Ajayi delivered the Yorùbá version of the awareness lecture. Using simple and culturally appropriate language, she educated Yorùbá-speaking participants on the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis B.

She stressed that vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection and encouraged participants to undergo regular medical screening, avoid risky behaviours and seek prompt medical attention whenever necessary.

Her presentation was warmly received by participants, who appreciated the opportunity to receive health information in their native language.

Ìfẹ̀rọ̀wérọ̀ (Yorùbá Version)

(ỌJỌ́ HEPATITIS ÀGBÁYÉ
Ẹ káàárọ̀/Ẹ káàsán.
Lónìí ni a ń ṣe ayẹyẹ Ọjọ́ Hepatitis Àgbáyé, ọjọ́ tí a fi ń kó ìmọ̀lára àwọn ènìyàn sípa àrùn Hepatitis.
Kí ni Hepatitis?
Hepatitis jẹ́ àrùn tó ń fa ìfarapa àti ìgbẹ́dọ̀nù nínú ẹdọ.
Oríṣìíríṣìí Hepatitis wà:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Lónìí, a fẹ́ sọ nípa Hepatitis B.
Ní Àgbáyé
Àwọn miliọnù ènìyàn ló ń gbé pẹ̀lú Hepatitis B, ó sì ń pa ọ̀pọ̀ ènìyàn lọ́dọọdún nítorí àrùn ẹdọ.
Ní Nàìjíríà
Ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn ará Nàìjíríà ló ní Hepatitis B láì mọ̀.
Ní Ìpínlẹ̀ Kebbi
Ọ̀pọ̀ ènìyàn kò tíì ṣe àyẹ̀wò Hepatitis B. Ìdí nìyẹn tí a fi ń rọ gbogbo ènìyàn láti lọ ṣe àyẹ̀wò àti gba abẹ́rẹ́ ajesara.
Bí ó ṣe ń tàn
Ẹ̀jẹ̀ ẹni tó ní àrùn
Ìbálòpò láìsí ààbò
Pín abẹ̀, fádákà tàbí ohun mímu irun
Láti ọ̀dọ̀ ìyá sí ọmọ nígbà ìbí
Ohun èlò ìṣègùn tí kò mọ́
Kò ń tàn nípasẹ̀
Ìfọwọ́ra
Ìfaramọ́ra
Jíjẹun pọ̀
Ẹfọn
Àwọn àmì àrùn
Ìbà
Àìlera
Àìfẹ́ oúnjẹ
Eebi
Ojú àti awọ ara tó yí padà sí ofeefee
Omi ìtọ̀ tó dudu
Ìdènà
Gba ajesara Hepatitis B.
Ṣe àyẹ̀wò.
Má ṣe pín abẹ̀ tàbí fádákà.
Lo ohun èlò tó mọ́.
Ṣe ìbálòpò pẹ̀lú ààbò.
Ìparí
Ẹ mọ ipò Hepatitis B yín. Ẹ lọ ṣe àyẹ̀wò. Ẹ gba ajesara bí ẹ kò bá ní àrùn. Ẹ sì lọ sí ilé ìwòsàn fún ìtọju bí àyẹ̀wò bá fi hàn pé ẹ ní Hepatitis B.
Ẹ ṣé púpọ̀.)

NURSE OKENWA M. ISAAC

Presenter – Igbo Version

Nurse Okenwa M. Isaac delivered the Igbo version of the public health enlightenment programme, further strengthening the hospital’s commitment to inclusive healthcare communication. His presentation ensured that Igbo-speaking participants fully understood the dangers of Hepatitis B Viral Infection and the importance of prevention through vaccination, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

He explained that Hepatitis B is a serious disease affecting the liver but that it can be prevented through vaccination and controlled with appropriate medical care. He emphasized that people should not fear screening because early detection saves lives and helps prevent complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

He also discouraged discrimination against people living with Hepatitis B, explaining that the disease is not transmitted through handshakes, hugging, sharing meals or other forms of casual social contact. His presentation encouraged compassion, family support and prompt medical consultation for anyone diagnosed with the infection.

Complete Igbo Presentation

ỤBỌCHI HEPATITIS NKE ỤWA 2026

Isiokwu: Ka Anyị Ghọta Hepatitis nke Ọma

Ndewo unu niile.

Taa, anyị sonyeere ụwa niile n’ịme emume Ụbọchị Hepatitis nke Ụwa, nke a na-eme kwa afọ n’ụbọchị iri abụọ na asatọ nke ọnwa Julaị.

Gịnị bụ Hepatitis?

Hepatitis bụ ọrịa na-akpata mgbakasị ma ọ bụ mbufụt imeju.

Ụdị Hepatitis gụnyere:

– Hepatitis A
– Hepatitis B
– Hepatitis C
– Hepatitis D
– Hepatitis E

Taa, anyị na-elekwasị anya na Hepatitis B n’ihi na ọ bụ out n’ime ihe na-ebute ọrịa imeju siri ike na kansa imeju.

Ọnọdụ Ụwa

Ọtụtụ nde mmadụ gburugburu ụwa na-ebi na Hepatitis B na-adịghị ala ala, ebe ọtụtụ mmadụ na-anwụ kwa afọ n’ihi nsogbu imeju.

Na Naịjirịa

Ọtụtụ ndị Naịjirịa nwere Hepatitis B n’amaghị ya. Nke a na-egosi mkpa ọ dị ka mmadụ niile gaa nyocha n’oge.

Na Steeti Kebbi

Ọtụtụ ndị bi na Kebbi amabeghị ọnọdụ ha gbasara Hepatitis B. Ya mere, anyị na-akpọku onye ọ bụla ka ọ bịa nwalee ma nata ọgwụ mgbochi ma ọ bụrụ na ọ dị mkpa.

Out Ọrịa Si Ebufe

– Ọbara onye nwere ọrịa.
– Mmekọahụ na-enweghị nchebe.
– Ịkekọrịta agụba, mma ma ọ bụ ihe ndị ọzọ dị nkọ.
– Site n’aka nne gaa nwa n’oge ọmụmụ.
– Ngwa ọgwụ na-adịghị ọcha.

Ọ naghị ebufe site na

– Ịkụ aka.
– Ịmakụ mmadụ.
– Iri nri ọnụ.
– Anwụnta.

Mgbaàmà

– Ahụ ọkụ.
– Ike ọgwụgwụ.
– Enweghị agụụ iri nri.
– Ọgbụgbọ.
– Anya na akpụkpọ ahụ odo.
– Mmiri mmamịrị gbara ọchịchịrị.

Mgbochi

– Nata ọgwụ mgbochi Hepatitis B.
– Mee nyocha.
– Ejikọla agụba ma ọ bụ mma.
– Jiri ngwa ọgwụ dị ọcha.
– Mee mmekọahụ n’ụzọ nchekwa.

Oku Nye Ọha

Mara ọnọdụ ahụike gị. Gaa nwalee. Ọ bụrụ na ị nweghị ọrịa, nata ọgwụ mgbochi. Ọ bụrụ na a chọpụta na ị nwere Hepatitis B, gaa ụlọ ọgwụ ka ị nweta nlekọta na ọgwụgwọ.

Daalụ nke ukwuu.


MANAGEMENT COMMENDS THE ENTIRE ORGANISING TEAM

The management of Taimako Clinic and Maternity expressed profound appreciation to every member of the planning committee, healthcare team and support staff whose dedication ensured the successful organization of the 2026 World Hepatitis Day programme.

Special recognition was given to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ketare Nathaniel, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community healthcare; the Managing Director for coordinating the programme and mobilizing partners; the nursing team for delivering professional health education in multiple languages; the medical officers for providing consultations; the laboratory scientists and technicians for conducting Hepatitis B screening; the pharmacy personnel for ensuring the availability of vaccines and essential medicines; the counselling team for providing confidential post-test counselling; the administrative staff for coordinating participants and documentation; the media organizations for promoting public awareness; and the volunteers whose commitment contributed significantly to the smooth running of the event.

The management also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all invited guests, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, women’s groups, youth associations, civil society organizations, and every participant who attended the programme. Their presence, encouragement and active participation contributed immensely to the success of the outreach.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to organizing more free medical outreaches, expanding Hepatitis B awareness campaigns to all twenty-one Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, and strengthening partnerships that will improve access to screening, vaccination and treatment. The management noted that the success of the programme demonstrated what can be achieved when healthcare professionals, community leaders and public-spirited individuals work together to improve the health and well-being of the people.