The Lagos State Government has launched an aggressive campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis, offering free screening, vaccination, and massive public education across the state.
The campaign, unveiled to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day with the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” targets elimination of the disease as a public health threat by 2030.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who spoke at the Ministry of Health in Alausa, described viral hepatitis as a “silent but deadly disease,” warning that millions of Nigerians could be living with it unknowingly.
“Hepatitis B and C are major causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer, and often show no symptoms until it’s too late,” he said.
Citing findings from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), Abayomi said over 16 million Nigerians are infected with Hepatitis B, while more than two million have Hepatitis C. In Lagos, a 2016 baseline survey revealed a 5 percent prevalence for Hepatitis B and 1 percent for Hepatitis C.
According to him, Lagos is intensifying its strategy through prevention, testing, treatment and public education.
“We are deploying radio, television, social media and community platforms to raise awareness. The goal is to demystify hepatitis and urge Lagosians to know their status and take action,” he said.
The commissioner announced that free screening and limited vaccination for Hepatitis B and C have commenced in General Hospitals, LASUTH and designated Primary Healthcare Centres across all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
He noted that health workers and pregnant women would be prioritised. Already, vaccination against Hepatitis B has been incorporated into the newborn immunisation schedule, while pregnant women are screened at their first antenatal visit to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the state has trained personnel at all secondary healthcare facilities to manage hepatitis cases and is working to ensure access to affordable antiviral medications, including direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C.
He added that infection prevention measures have been strengthened in public and private health facilities through strict enforcement of sterilisation and safe blood transfusion practices.
“Our blood banks are closely monitored. We only accept blood screened for transmissible infections like Hepatitis and HIV. The goal is zero-risk transfusion,” he said.
The Commissioner revealed that Lagos is also adopting the federal campaign tagged “365 Days to Break Down Hepatitis – Constituency by Constituency” which aims to conduct awareness and testing activities in every federal constituency over the next year.
Highlighting some milestones, he said Lagos was the first state to create a dedicated budget line for Hepatitis control. Other achievements include the training of 433 healthcare workers, expansion of access to Hepatitis C viral load testing, and the treatment of 100 patients under a partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Prof. Abayomi also announced the launch of his personal advocacy note, “Letter to Lagosians on Hepatitis,” encouraging residents to get tested, vaccinated, and avoid risky behaviours like sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
“To eliminate hepatitis, we need collective action—from health workers to religious leaders, parents, teachers and our friends in the media. No one should be left behind,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to media professionals and development partners for their ongoing support, saying Lagos is well on its way to becoming a model for hepatitis elimination in Nigeria.
Residents are encouraged to visit the nearest Primary Health Centre or General Hospital to check their status and get vaccinated where necessary.
“Together, we can build a hepatitis-free Lagos,” he concluded.