š§¬ Over 16 Million Nigerians Living With Hepatitis B
In a major public health intervention, the Lagos State Government has launched free testing and limited vaccination for Hepatitis B and C across the state, revealing that over 16 million Nigerians are currently living with Hepatitis B and over 2 million with Hepatitis C.
The campaign comes as part of the stateās strategic response to the 2025 World Hepatitis Day under the theme āHepatitis: Letās Break It Down.ā
š§ Hepatitis: The Silent Epidemic
Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi described viral hepatitis as a āsilent but deadly diseaseā and urged residents to get tested and vaccinated early.
āIt causes liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer ā often without symptoms. Yet itās preventable, treatable, and in some cases, curable,ā Abayomi said.
š What Lagos Is Offering
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Free testing for Hepatitis B and C across all general hospitals, LASUTH, and designated PHCs in all 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
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Limited free vaccination, prioritising pregnant women and healthcare workers.
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Public awareness campaign via radio, TV, and social media.
š¶ Prevention From Birth
Abayomi noted that vaccination against Hepatitis B is now integrated into routine newborn immunisation, while all pregnant women are being screened during antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
āWe aim to demystify hepatitis through testing, prevention, treatment, and awareness ā all four are key to eliminating it by 2030,ā he said.
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