Nigeria Records ₦17.9tn in Annual Losses, Over 4,000 Deaths from Hepatitis – FG

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria incurs annual economic losses ranging between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion due to hepatitis-related issues, with 4,252 lives lost each year to liver cancer resulting from untreated cases.

This was revealed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a press briefing in honour of World Hepatitis Day 2025, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down.” Represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the ministry, Pate highlighted the pressing need for urgent national action.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by various infectious and non-infectious agents. It is linked to a spectrum of complications, including severe liver damage and cancer, some of which may be fatal. The disease exists in five main strains — A, B, C, D, and E — which vary in transmission, severity, and prevention.

Over 20 Million Nigerians Infected

Nigeria reportedly holds the third-highest hepatitis burden globally, with more than 20 million people currently infected. Of this figure, 18.2 million suffer from Hepatitis B, while 2.5 million are infected with Hepatitis C. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, over 90% of Hepatitis B cases remain undiagnosed, according to the minister, leading to unintentional transmission, including to children.

Many of the symptoms — such as fatigue and fever — are often mistaken for malaria, prompting people to self-medicate, allowing the virus to silently cause liver failure or cancer.

Government Launches ‘Project 365’ to Combat Hepatitis

In response to the alarming statistics, the Federal Government announced the rollout of “Project 365” — a year-long, constituency-based screening, diagnostic, and treatment campaign aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C and halting Hepatitis B transmission by 2030.

Other initiatives include increased funding for hepatitis programs, the establishment of a viral hepatitis elimination fund, tax incentives to promote local drug production, and regulatory reforms to ease access to testing and treatment.

Africa CDC and Gowon Lend Support

Representatives from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) pledged continued backing for Nigeria’s hepatitis efforts. The centre’s technical officer, Titilola Munkail, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in the continent’s health interventions.

Also speaking, former Head of State and Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), urged Nigerians to confront stigma and misinformation surrounding hepatitis. Represented by Adeyeye Ajayi, Gowon called for renewed public commitment to eliminating the disease by 2030.

Community-Driven Approach Essential – Experts

Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, emphasized community involvement in the project, noting the importance of education and advocacy in curbing Hepatitis B and C transmission. He advised protective measures including abstinence, mutual fidelity, and condom use.

Bashorun clarified that while Hepatitis C is curable, Hepatitis B requires long-term management as there is no complete cure yet, though effective medications exist to slow disease progression.

Hepatitis Crisis in Kano

In Kano State alone, over 1.2 million residents are currently living with Hepatitis B, according to Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, the state’s Commissioner for Health. He highlighted ongoing interventions such as the “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” initiative, which offers free screening and treatment for pregnant women in seven key hospitals.

The program also includes administering hepatitis vaccines to newborns, a critical step in reducing mother-to-child transmission — responsible for up to 80% of new infections.

Dr. Yusuf further disclosed that the state had allocated ₦95 million for rapid test kits and essential medications, and another ₦135 million in funding is pending approval to expand the initiative.

He also confirmed that hepatitis screening is now mandatory in all blood transfusion centres statewide. He called for enhanced support from development partners, private stakeholders, and the media to amplify public awareness and funding.

“With a unified approach, viral hepatitis can be eliminated as a major public health threat in Kano and throughout Nigeria,” Yusuf concluded.