Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has unveiled “Project 365,” a constituency-based public health initiative aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis across communities in Southern Kaduna.
The programme, launched in Kafanchan in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to expand access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination and prevention services for over 620,000 residents.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, described the initiative as timely and people-centred, noting that it aligns with ongoing health sector reforms in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off held at New Choice Hotel, Kafanchan, Balarabe commended Katung for bringing the intervention to the grassroots.
“This is leadership that listens, responds and delivers,” she said, adding that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving public health outcomes.
She noted that viral hepatitis remains a silent but serious health threat, often undetected until advanced stages, leading to severe liver complications and preventable deaths.
“As a medical professional, I must emphasise prevention. Hepatitis B and C are commonly transmitted through infected blood and body fluids, unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions and sharing of sharp objects,” she said.
Balarabe urged residents to take advantage of the programme, stressing that early detection and proper care can save lives.
In his remarks, Katung described hepatitis as a “silent killer” responsible for significant but often unnoticed deaths across communities.
“Millions of people are living with hepatitis unknowingly. Without early detection and treatment, it can progress to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and cancer,” he said.
He explained that Project 365 would take services directly to communities, including rural areas, markets, schools and places of worship, offering free screening, vaccination, treatment support and sustained awareness campaigns.
The programme will cover eight local government areas of Kaduna South Senatorial District, including Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, Kagarko, Jaba, Kachia and Kauru.
A representative of the Coordinating Minister of State for Health, Dr Michael Kinsley, said the initiative aligns with the health reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
He noted that hepatitis remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 25 million Nigerians affected.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Titus Amba, commended the initiative, describing it as a step toward sustainable grassroots healthcare delivery.
The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko, pledged support for community mobilisation, urging residents to embrace testing and treatment.
The intervention is scheduled to run from April 13 to May 29, 2026, across primary healthcare centres in the eight local government areas.
