Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Delta Governor and founder of You Matter Charitable Foundation, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to support the “More Agenda” led by Governor Oborevwori to provide quality healthcare to Delta residents.
Deaconess Oborewori made the call on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, when a delegation from the National Ministry of Health and representatives of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hepatitis B Advocacy Group paid a courtesy call at the Government House, Asaba Got her.
The governor’s wife pledged to promote the campaign on viral hepatitis preventive measures while urging the medical team to support her pet project’s healthcare plan and Governor Oborefuwari’s “More Agenda” centered on the welfare of Deltans.
“I listened to your speech and am glad we are on the same page. My pet project You Matter Charitable Foundation, where everyone counts, is ready to ensure the health of Deltans. Through our health care programs, I I believe that a large number of people will receive medical care. We can work together to achieve this goal.
“I am also glad that you are familiar with more of the agenda of my dear husband, His Excellency Sheriff Obolev Warri. I respectfully request that you extend more support to the Governor for these people-centered programs for the benefit of all Deltans.” Deaconess Oborevwori said.
She further commended the Hepatitis B Foundation and others for their research in developing vaccines to prevent viral hepatitis.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director of Medical Services, Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, said the visit was to amplify the pressing public health issue of viral hepatitis in the state, noting, “Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C Hepatitis, a silent but devastating epidemic, poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of our citizens.”
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori receives a souvenir from Dr. Catherine Freeland of the Hepatitis B Foundation
I have disclosed that an estimated 5% of the total population of Delta State; no less than 300,000 people are currently suffering from chronic viral hepatitis and are at risk of liver cancer. “I believe that with your Excellency’s You Matter Charitable Foundation’s philosophy of universal health coverage, we can make a significant difference in the state’s response to viral hepatitis B and C.”
Dr. Iwegbu advocated for the inclusion of hepatitis B and hepatitis C management in the National Health Insurance Scheme, free screening of pregnant women during antenatal care, increased availability and affordability of testing and treatment for viral diseases, state-wide Campaign to educate Delta residents about the virus hepatitis, advocate for anti-discrimination measures and expand hepatitis B vaccination coverage, increase the availability and affordability of testing, and train and retrain health care workers to increase access to those affected improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the occurrence of new infections and horizontal and vertical mother-to-child transmission.
Deaconess Tobore Obolevvoli received the souvenir from a representative of the State Ministry of Health.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir to Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori by Dr. Catherine Freeland, deputy director of public health research at the National Department of Health and Hepatitis B Foundation of America.