By Juliet Umeh
The Lagos State Government has launched a comprehensive campaign to eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a public health threat, in alignment with the 2025 World Hepatitis Day theme: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
Speaking at his office in Alausa-Ikeja, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described Viral Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, as a silent but deadly disease that demands urgent attention. He urged all Lagos residents to take advantage of free testing and vaccination now being offered across the state.
The Commissioner said: “Viral Hepatitis has quietly become an epidemic in Nigeria, affecting millions. Hepatitis B and C are especially dangerous, leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, often without symptoms until advanced stages.”
Citing the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey, NAIIS, Prof. Abayomi noted that over 16 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, while more than 2 million are infected with Hepatitis C. He added that a 2016 baseline survey in Lagos revealed a prevalence rate of 5% for Hepatitis B and 1 percent for Hepatitis C.
Lagos’ four-pronged strategy
To achieve the global target of eliminating Viral Hepatitis by 2030, Lagos is implementing a four-pronged strategy focused on: Prevention, testing, treatment and awareness
The Commissioner said the state has commenced a statewide awareness campaign through radio, television, social media, and grassroots engagements to educate the public and reduce stigma around the disease.
“We are demystifying Hepatitis,” Abayomi stated. “Residents must know their status and take action.”
Free testing and vaccination now available
As part of this campaign, Lagos is providing free Hepatitis B and C screening and limited vaccination at: All General Hospitals, LASUTH, selected Primary Health Centres in all 57 LGAs and LCDAs
Priority is being given to healthcare workers and pregnant women.
Prof. Abayomi also emphasized that Hepatitis B vaccination has been fully integrated into newborn immunization programs, while all pregnant women are screened at their first antenatal clinic visit to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Boosting treatment and infection control
To strengthen access to care, healthcare providers at all secondary health facilities have received training on Hepatitis management. The state is also working to improve the availability and affordability of antiviral treatments, particularly direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C.
On infection prevention, the state enforces strict protocols in both public and private facilities, including: Safe blood transfusion practices and proper sterilization of medical equipment
Abayomi assured Lagosians that only properly screened blood is accepted in state-monitored blood banks, reaffirming the government’s commitment to zero-risk transfusions.
National collaboration and milestones
Lagos is also participating in the national initiative: “365 Days to Break Down Hepatitis, Constituency by Constituency,” which aims to conduct awareness and testing activities across every federal constituency over the next year.
Some key milestones in the state’s Hepatitis elimination journey include: Establishing the first dedicated state budget line for Hepatitis control in Nigeria, training 433 healthcare workers,
providing access to HCV viral load testing, treating over 100 patients in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative
The Commissioner also unveiled his “Letter to Lagosians on Hepatitis,” a public message that encourages residents to: Get tested, get vaccinated (if eligible), avoid risky behaviours such as sharing needles and unprotected sex.
He said:“To eliminate Hepatitis, we need collective effort, from healthcare workers and media professionals to religious leaders, parents, teachers, and every resident of Lagos. No one must be left behind.”
Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude to the media and development partners for their continued support and urged residents to visit their nearest PHC or General Hospital to check their status and get vaccinated.
“Together, we can build a Hepatitis-free Lagos,” he added.
