By Chioma Obinna

No fewer than 100 residents of Amuwo Odofin and neighbouring communities in Lagos have benefited from free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination during a community health outreach led by Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in partnership with Lopez Pharmacy Limited.

The outreach, organised to mark World Immunisation Week (April 24–30), drew healthcare professionals, pharmacists and residents, with a focus on raising awareness about hepatitis prevention and expanding access to immunisation at the grassroots.
Speaking at the event, Osafile stressed that preventive healthcare must remain a priority, noting that government responsibility goes beyond policy formulation to ensuring citizens are protected from avoidable diseases.

“Health is wealth. It takes just one illness to wipe out a person’s resources. That is why we must continue to prioritise preventive healthcare and ensure that our people are informed and protected,” she said.
She added that sustained advocacy and community engagement are critical to reducing the burden of hepatitis and other preventable diseases.

In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Lopez Pharmacy Limited and National Financial Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Pharm. Obiageri Ikwu, described Hepatitis B as a major public health concern in Nigeria, driven by low awareness and limited access to testing and vaccination.

“Hepatitis is not a death sentence, but prevention is critical. People must move beyond testing alone to taking the vaccine, especially if they test negative,” she said.
Ikwu emphasised that the Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective and more affordable than long-term treatment, urging residents to complete the recommended three-dose schedule for full protection.

Also speaking, Pharm. Toyin Bala-Bature highlighted the critical role of community pharmacists in closing healthcare gaps through health education, screening and vaccination services at the community level.
A beneficiary, Ambassador Ola Ijekpa, said the initiative had deepened her understanding of the disease and encouraged her to take preventive action.

“I didn’t fully understand Hepatitis B before today. Now I know how it affects the body and how it can be prevented. I’m taking the vaccine for the first time, and I’m grateful,” she said.

Organisers said the programme, which featured free testing and vaccination for eligible residents, is part of broader efforts to scale up hepatitis immunisation and reduce its prevalence across communities in Lagos.