Nigeria is engaged in multiple health battles, exacerbated by weak health infrastructure, inadequate healthcare investment, poor access to quality services, and a stagnating health workforce. One of the most alarming threats is the spread of hepatitis, with over 18.2 million Nigerians affected by the disease. Both the federal and state governments need to implement strong, consistent measures to curb this deadly ailment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes hepatitis as a disease caused by liver inflammation, triggered by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, potentially leading to severe health complications. Five main strains of the hepatitis virus are identified: A, B, C, D, and E, all of which affect the liver but differ in transmission modes, severity, geographic distribution, and prevention methods. Hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous, leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.

Globally, the WHO estimates that 354 million people live with hepatitis B or C, with testing and treatment still out of reach for many. Every 30 seconds, a person dies from a hepatitis-related disease, contributing to a staggering 1.1 million deaths annually, alongside three million new infections worldwide.

Nigeria’s health officials have expressed concern about the high prevalence of hepatitis in the country. Health Minister Osagie Ehanire attributed the issue to a lack of public awareness, poor diagnosis, underreporting, and inadequate treatment access for hepatitis B and C. He emphasized the need for public health interventions to tackle the disease.

As a global issue, Nigeria must enhance collaboration with international organizations to address hepatitis. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus urged countries, particularly in Africa, to increase efforts toward eliminating the disease by 2030. Many African countries, including Nigeria, have national plans for hepatitis elimination, but implementation has been inconsistent.

The seriousness of hepatitis is often underestimated because many individuals with hepatitis B and C are unaware they are infected, allowing the disease to spread unchecked and cause irreversible liver damage. Hepatitis B is widespread and primarily transmitted through body fluids, such as during childbirth from an infected mother, unprotected sex, or shared use of syringes, razors, and toothbrushes with infected individuals.

Prevention remains key, and hepatitis B can be managed with vaccines. Oral antiviral drugs can also treat the disease, although many patients require lifelong medication to suppress the viral load. Early treatment within the first three months of infection is essential to prevent disease progression.

Nigeria’s immunization programs, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, need revitalization to ensure that hepatitis vaccination rates increase. Domestic resources should be mobilized to fast-track the country’s hepatitis elimination goals. Nigeria can look to countries like Cape Verde, Uganda, and Rwanda, which have implemented robust vaccination and treatment programs, achieving nearly universal coverage and offering free hepatitis treatment.

Cape Verde’s government funds vaccine services and has maintained a 98 percent vaccine coverage rate. Rwanda and Uganda offer free treatment for hepatitis B and C. Nigeria should adopt similar approaches and consider using mobile health clinics, as seen in South Africa and Madagascar, to increase access to hepatitis services in rural and underserved communities.

Public awareness campaigns should be a priority. Social and mainstream media, as well as community leaders, should be involved in educating the public about the risks of hepatitis. Similar to the campaigns for HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and road safety, there should be concerted efforts to promote hepatitis awareness and prevention.

Funding for hepatitis services lags behind other health priorities such as HIV and reproductive health. Integrating hepatitis screening and treatment into existing health programs, such as antenatal services and HIV clinics, would help improve access to hepatitis care.

With so many Nigerians already burdened by preventable diseases, it is critical that the government prioritizes the wellbeing of its citizens. Immediate action to eliminate hepatitis is essential to reduce the country’s overall health burden and save lives.