The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria suffers an annual economic loss of between N13.3 trillion and N17.9 trillion due to the direct and indirect impacts of hepatitis. In addition, an estimated 4,252 Nigerians die each year from liver cancer caused by untreated hepatitis.

This revelation was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a press briefing on Monday to mark World Hepatitis Day with the theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down.” Prof. Pate was represented by the Director of Public Health at the ministry, Dr. Godwin Ntadom.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver—can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents, and often leads to severe liver damage or cancer. There are five main types of the virus: A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct modes of transmission, severity, and prevention strategies.

Nigeria bears the third-highest burden of hepatitis globally, with over 20 million citizens infected—18.2 million with Hepatitis B and 2.5 million with Hepatitis C. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatment, over 90% of infected individuals remain undiagnosed, silently spreading the virus, particularly to children. Symptoms such as fever and fatigue are frequently mistaken for malaria, leading to delayed diagnosis and progression to severe liver complications.

To tackle the crisis, the Federal Government is launching Project 365, a nationwide, year-long initiative to conduct hepatitis screening, diagnosis, and treatment at the constituency level. The campaign aims to eliminate Hepatitis C and curb the spread of Hepatitis B by 2030.

Other strategic measures include:

Increased budgetary allocation for hepatitis control

Establishment of a Viral Hepatitis Elimination Fund

Tax incentives and regulatory reforms to encourage local pharmaceutical production

Legislative support for wider access to diagnostics and treatment across all geopolitical zones

In a goodwill message, Dr. Oluyinka Olayemi, National Coordinator for the Africa CDC, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s fight against hepatitis. Represented by Titilola Munkail, she commended the country’s leadership in public health efforts and pledged continued collaboration.

Also speaking, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Nigeria, lauded the ministry, WHO, healthcare workers, and stakeholders for their dedication. Represented by Adeyeye Ajayi, he emphasized the need to overcome stigma, misinformation, and limited access to testing and treatment.

“We must renew our commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Let us promote awareness, education, and collective action,” Gowon urged.

Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, emphasized the role of Project 365 in expanding access to testing, treatment, and vaccination, in collaboration with the National Assembly. He highlighted the importance of community engagement, media advocacy, and preventive behaviors such as safe sex practices, abstinence, and proper screening.

He noted that while Hepatitis C is curable, Hepatitis B is manageable with antiviral drugs that slow disease progression after proper diagnosis.

Kano State: Over 1.2 Million Infected

In Kano State, more than 1.2 million residents are currently living with Hepatitis B, according to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf.

During a briefing to commemorate World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Yusuf announced the release of N95 million to procure rapid diagnostic kits and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, a vital drug for preventing mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

The state launched the “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” initiative in February, offering free hepatitis screening and treatment for pregnant women at seven major hospitals. Newborns also receive free hepatitis vaccines in labour wards to combat vertical transmission, which accounts for up to 80% of new infections.

He added that an additional N135 million is awaiting approval to scale the programme and emphasized the integration of hepatitis screening into all public and private blood transfusion centers across the state.

Dr. Yusuf called on development partners, the private sector, and the media to support efforts through advocacy, funding, and public education.

“With sustained collaboration, we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Kano and across Nigeria,” he said.