Bomba Dauda
The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Health to launch a major public health initiative aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis across Southern Kaduna.
The programme, tagged Project 365, is being implemented in collaboration with the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP). It is a constituency-based national intervention designed to expand access to screening, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and preventive services, with the goal of meeting the 2030 hepatitis elimination targets.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, the senator expressed deep concern over the rising cases of Hepatitis B and C-related illnesses and deaths in the district. He noted that the initiative is aimed at strengthening healthcare access, reducing transmission rates, and improving early detection and treatment.
As part of the programme, a flag-off ceremony has been scheduled for April 10, 2026, at the New Choice Event Hall in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, by 11 a.m. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public are expected to attend.
The statement further disclosed that free screening, testing, and treatment services will be conducted across the eight local government areas in the senatorial district from April 13 to May 29, 2026. The exercise will take place daily from 9 a.m. at designated primary healthcare centres.
The selected locations cut across Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, Kagarko, Jaba, Kachia, and Kauru local government areas, ensuring widespread access for residents.
Residents of the district have been urged to take advantage of the opportunity to know their hepatitis status and access necessary care, as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Senator Katung reaffirmed his commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of his constituents, stressing that the initiative is a critical step toward reducing hepatitis-related deaths in Southern Kaduna.
He encouraged the public to participate actively in the programme, emphasizing the campaign message: “Get Tested. Get Treated. Get Vaccinated.”
