Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing the Kaduna South Senatorial District, has launched a comprehensive and ambitious public health intervention titled “Project 365,” aimed at the total elimination of viral hepatitis across the eight local government areas of his constituency. Unveiled on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Kafanchan, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Senator’s office and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The program is designed to provide a “one-stop-shop” for healthcare services, including free screening, diagnosis, vaccination, and treatment support for over 620,000 residents. The Senator described viral hepatitis as a “silent killer” that has claimed countless lives in Southern Kaduna due to a lack of awareness and the high cost of medical care.
The flag-off ceremony was performed by the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani. In her address, Dr. Balarabe, a medical professional herself, lauded the initiative as a “compassionate and people-driven response” to a public health emergency that has long been neglected. She noted that Project 365 aligns perfectly with the state government’s ongoing health sector reforms and its commitment to improving primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of early detection, noting that viral hepatitis often remains asymptomatic until it has progressed to advanced liver disease or cancer. She urged the people of Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga, Kagarko, Jaba, Kachia, and Kauru to take full advantage of the free services provided.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung explained that the project was named “365” to symbolize a year-round commitment to health and the intention to eventually replicate the model across other federal constituencies. He highlighted the devastating impact of the virus on the productivity and economic well-being of his constituents, emphasizing that no community should be left behind in the fight against preventable diseases. The initiative includes a massive awareness campaign involving traditional and religious leaders to combat the stigma associated with the disease, which Katung insisted is a “medical condition and not a moral failing.” The program is scheduled to run from April 13 to May 29, 2026, across various primary healthcare centers, with a focus on reaching markets, schools, and rural settlements.
The Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented at the event, noted that viral hepatitis remains a significant national burden, with an estimated 25 million Nigerians living with the virus. He stated that the federal government is committed to supporting constituency-led interventions like Project 365, which bring essential services closer to underserved populations in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Health experts at the forum further explained that the goal is to break the chain of transmission through widespread vaccination, particularly among high-risk groups. The involvement of the Federal Ministry signifies a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging local representation for national health outcomes.
Broader implications of this intervention suggest a shift toward “legislative healthcare,” where lawmakers utilize their constituency project funds to address specific, high-impact medical crises. Analysts suggest that the Southern Kaduna model could serve as a blueprint for other senatorial districts facing similar health challenges. The success of Project 365 will be measured by the number of residents screened and the sustainability of the treatment programs initiated during the campaign. For the residents of Southern Kaduna, the initiative represents a vital lifeline, offering hope for a future free from the shadow of a disease that thrives in silence. As the screening centers open across the eight local governments, the focus remains on ensuring that every resident has the knowledge and the means to protect their liver health.
