As the world marked World Hepatitis Day on July 28, Nigerian health professionals have reiterated that hepatitis, though serious, is not a death sentence. During an awareness campaign hosted by Ultimate Health Management Services, the firm’s medical team emphasized the importance of screening, early detection, prevention, and public education in curbing the spread of the disease.

Speaking during the company’s health enlightenment programme held on Monday in Abuja, Justina Adeyemi, a graduate nurse and Assistant Manager in the Medical and Quality Assurance Department, stressed that individuals who test positive for hepatitis can still live full, healthy lives—especially with timely diagnosis and proper medical care.

“Hepatitis is not a death sentence,” Adeyemi affirmed. “Anybody who tests positive will be given the necessary medications and can go on to live a better and safer life. That’s why we are urging Nigerians to come out for screening. Early detection is key.”

The awareness campaign, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” is in line with the World Health Organisation’s global call to dismantle the many barriers—financial, systemic, and social—that hinder progress toward eliminating hepatitis and preventing liver cancer.

Preventive Measures Can Save Lives

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Daniel Abdul, Head of the Medical and Quality Assurance Unit at Ultimate Health, explained that hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B, is highly preventable. He highlighted basic hygiene and immunisation as the most effective tools in reducing the spread of the virus.

“One of the first lines of defense against Hepatitis B is hand hygiene,” Abdul said. “Regular hand washing, proper disposal of needles, and the use of sterilised instruments all contribute significantly to prevention. And most importantly, immunisation remains a critical intervention.”

Abdul further cautioned against sharing sharp objects like razors, needles, or clippers, as these practices remain common transmission pathways. He urged Nigerians to avoid unsafe cultural or cosmetic procedures that may involve the use of contaminated tools.

Touching on mother-to-child transmission, Abdul advised that expectant mothers undergo screening during antenatal visits. “Pregnant women must get screened properly. If the virus is detected, steps can be taken to prevent its transmission to the newborn,” he said.

The Global Burden of Hepatitis

World Hepatitis Day, celebrated annually on July 28, aims to increase global awareness of hepatitis—a viral infection that leads to liver inflammation and, if untreated, may result in severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic hepatitis B and C remain major global health concerns. These infections often progress silently, causing liver damage and cancer without noticeable symptoms. Despite being preventable, treatable, and even curable (in the case of hepatitis C), millions of people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to systemic barriers and widespread stigma.

The WHO explains that the 2025 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” underscores the urgent need for governments and health systems to simplify and expand access to hepatitis services. These include universal vaccination, harm reduction initiatives, safe injection practices, and most importantly, testing and treatment services that are affordable and widely available.

“The campaign is a reminder that we must act now to expand access, integrate care, and end hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030,” the WHO said in a statement.

Nigeria’s Hepatitis Challenge

In Nigeria, hepatitis continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Studies suggest that the country has one of the highest burdens of hepatitis B and C globally, with millions of Nigerians living with the virus—many of whom remain unaware of their status.

Experts argue that despite ongoing awareness efforts, gaps still exist in access to affordable screening, consistent vaccination programs, and public health education.

Ultimate Health’s campaign aims to close some of these gaps by engaging the public directly. The health insurance firm’s initiative includes onsite hepatitis screening, educational sessions on transmission and prevention, as well as free counselling for participants.

Why Screening Matters

Early screening allows individuals to understand their hepatitis status and take immediate steps—whether preventive through vaccination or therapeutic via medication. Without screening, many individuals may continue unknowingly transmitting the virus or delaying treatment until complications arise.

“There is still a lot of misinformation surrounding hepatitis,” said Adeyemi. “Many people think it’s a life sentence, but that’s far from the truth. If caught early and managed properly, people can live long and healthy lives.”

She emphasized that public education must continue year-round, not just during awareness campaigns. “Hepatitis doesn’t pause because the campaign ends. We need consistent community engagement, integration into school curricula, workplace health checks, and support systems for those already diagnosed.”

Global Call to Action

As the world works toward achieving the WHO target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, countries like Nigeria will need to intensify their efforts across multiple fronts: access to testing, universal vaccination for infants and high-risk adults, data collection for informed policymaking, and the battle against harmful stigma.

The WHO estimates that over 300 million people globally are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, yet only a fraction are aware of their infection. Without intervention, liver cancer deaths and liver-related complications will continue to rise—particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

The theme “Let’s Break It Down” therefore invites individuals, communities, and governments to dissect the complex web of issues—ignorance, inaccessibility, and stigma—that hinder effective hepatitis response.

Final Thoughts: It Starts with Awareness

The message from healthcare professionals, both globally and locally, remains consistent: hepatitis is preventable, manageable, and in many cases curable. But the first step lies in knowing one’s status.

Ultimate Health Management Services, by hosting its hepatitis campaign, joins other stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem in making this message clear. With persistent effort, public participation, and adequate government support, experts believe Nigeria can make significant progress toward eliminating hepatitis and improving liver health for all.

For now, the call is simple and urgent: Get screened. Get vaccinated. Break the stigma.