Katung launches ‘Project 365’ to tackle Hepatitis in Southern Kaduna

…Targets 620,000 Residents with Free Screening, Vaccination, Treatment

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KAFANCHAN — Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has unveiled “Project 365,” a constituency-based 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 provide screening, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and preventive services to over 620,000 residents in the district.

Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, described the initiative as timely and people-oriented, noting that it aligns with ongoing healthcare reforms in the state.

“I bring the governor’s assurance of continued support for initiatives that improve the health and well-being of our people,” Balarabe said at the flag-off ceremony held in Kafanchan.

She commended Katung for what she described as a thoughtful intervention, adding that its rollout across the eight local government areas of Southern Kaduna demonstrates a strong commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery.

The deputy governor warned that viral hepatitis remains a serious public health concern, often undetected until advanced stages, leading to severe liver complications and preventable deaths. She urged residents to embrace vaccination and regular testing.

In his remarks, Katung described hepatitis as a “silent killer,” stressing the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent complications such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

He explained that Project 365 would take healthcare services directly to communities, including rural areas, markets, schools, and places of worship.

According to him, the programme will cover Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, Kagarko, Jaba, Kachia, and Kauru local government areas, offering free screening, vaccination, treatment support, and sustained public awareness campaigns.

Katung also called for increased community engagement to address stigma associated with the disease.

“Hepatitis is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Stigma must be confronted,” he said.

A representative of the Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Michael Kinsley, said the initiative aligns with the healthcare reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

He noted that hepatitis remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 25 million Nigerians affected, adding that bringing services closer to communities is key to addressing the burden.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, described the programme as a step toward sustainable grassroots healthcare delivery.

Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko, pledged community support for the initiative, urging residents to take advantage of the free services.

“There is no shame in knowing your status. The real danger is not knowing,” he said.

The intervention is scheduled to run from April 13 to May 29, 2026, across primary healthcare centres in all eight local government areas of the district.