The S’apeyi of Garki, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, Tuesday, joined residents of his domain to undergo free hepatitis screening, using the occasion to urge government agencies, healthcare providers and development partners to expand community-based health interventions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The monarch spoke at the World Hepatitis Day outreach hosted at the Sa’peyi Palace in Garki, organised by Garki Hospital in partnership with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Zolon Healthcare Limited, MEGA, URAH, Clinton Health Access Initiative and Abbott.
The one-day programme, themed: “Early detection saves lives. Know your status,” offered free hepatitis, HIV, syphilis and malaria testing, counselling and public health education, with organisers targeting at least 1,000 residents.
In a gesture widely applauded by residents and health workers, the S’apeyi publicly submitted himself for screening alongside members of his community – a move organisers said was crucial in dismantling the stigma and fear that often discourage people from knowing their hepatitis status.
“I am grateful to the organisers for bringing this kind of service directly to our people,” the monarch said after his test. “Many of our residents cannot easily access such screenings, and by coming to the palace, you have shown that healthcare can and should meet the people where they are.”
The traditional ruler appealed for the outreach to be sustained and expanded, calling for future gestures to cover other pressing health concerns affecting his subjects, particularly prostate enlargement and diabetes, which he noted are increasingly common among older residents.
He further urged government at all levels, private hospitals and development partners to work together to make healthcare more affordable for low-income earners, stressing that the cost of testing and treatment remains one of the biggest barriers to early diagnosis in the community.
“Our people are willing to be tested and treated, but many cannot afford it. I appeal to the authorities and our partners to continue to support programmes like this so that no one is left behind because of poverty,” he said.
Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at Garki Hospital, Dr. Justice Igbiti, said the decision to hold the outreach at the palace was deliberate — designed to bring services closer to underserved communities and to leverage the influence of traditional institutions in mobilising residents.