The World Health Organisation (WHO) says millions of Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, C, or both without knowing their status, exposing themselves to severe consequences, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death if left untreated.
In partnership with the Borno State government, the WHO launched a hepatitis initiative, including free testing and vaccination exercises to mitigate the effects on society.
Salisu Audu, the WHO State coordinator in Borno, stated this during an event to mark 2024 World Hepatitis Day, with the theme “It’s time for action”, in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
He said statistics show that only 36 percent of people infected with hepatitis C were diagnosed, while just 20 percent receive curative treatment. The five-year survival rate for liver cancer is a mere 20 percent.
Audu explained that the human cost of hepatitis was enormous, with families and communities losing loved ones to a preventable and treatable disease.
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He said hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, and toxic substances can progress silently to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death if left untreated.
To address this, the WHO has launched a global strategy to reduce new infections by 90 percent and deaths by 65 percent by 2030. Prevention measures, including vaccination, safe injection practices, and screening, can prevent new infections. Early diagnosis and treatment can also save lives.
In Nigeria, the day serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts to combat the spread of the disease.
The high prevalence of the disease in Nigeria is attributed to limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and inadequate vaccination coverage.
WHO urged the government to scale up efforts to provide free screening, vaccination, and treatment services to affected communities and to launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks and prevention methods.
Also speaking, Malum Gana, Borno commissioner of health and human resources, reiterated the state government’s commitment to combating hepatitis through collaborative efforts with the WHO and other partners.
Gana said the government prioritised creating awareness among the public as a crucial step in the fight against the deadly disease.
