The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the increasing spread of hepatitis in Nigeria and has called for enhanced public awareness to curb the virus. This resolution was adopted following a motion moved by Kwamoti Laori (PDP, Adamawa State) during a plenary session in Abuja on Tuesday.
Understanding Hepatitis and Its Impact
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Laori emphasized that the virus could result in a wide range of health complications, some of which could be fatal. There are five primary strains of hepatitis—types A, B, C, D, and E—with types B and C being the most lethal. These two strains are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
Citing the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, Laori stated that viral hepatitis is now the second leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually—equivalent to 3,500 deaths daily. This figure is comparable to tuberculosis, another top infectious killer, with approximately 345 million people living with hepatitis worldwide.
Nigeria’s Alarming Hepatitis Statistics
Laori expressed concern over Nigeria’s high prevalence of hepatitis B and C, which has made the country one of the worst-affected in Africa. He referred to reports from the WHO and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, which estimate that over 20 million Nigerians—more than 10 percent of the population—are living with chronic hepatitis B or C infections.
In addition, a significant percentage of Nigerians remain at risk of infection or death from the viral disease. The lawmaker called for urgent action to address this public health crisis.
Recommendations by the House
To mitigate the spread of hepatitis, the House resolved that:
- Mandatory Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment: The Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies should make hepatitis testing, vaccination, and treatment compulsory for children under five years. This measure aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
- Safety Standards in Healthcare Facilities: Both public and private healthcare facilities must adhere to strict safety standards to prevent the transmission of hepatitis.
- Committees for Compliance and Awareness: The House tasked its committees on Healthcare Services, Information and National Orientation, and Legislative Compliance to ensure these recommendations are implemented.
The committees have been directed to report back within three weeks with updates for further legislative action.
Call for Wider Public Awareness
The lawmakers stressed the importance of raising public awareness about hepatitis, its risks, and preventive measures. They highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to educate the population and combat the disease effectively.
The House’s resolution underscores the urgency of tackling hepatitis in Nigeria to prevent further loss of lives and improve public health outcomes.
