Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has launched a state-wide campaign offering free screening and vaccination for Hepatitis B and C across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), aligning with the 2025 World Hepatitis Day.
Tagged “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” the initiative aims to boost public awareness, promote early detection, and expand vaccination coverage, especially among vulnerable groups.
At a press briefing, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described hepatitis as “a silent epidemic that often progresses unnoticed until it causes severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer.”
Prof. Abayomi explained that free testing and limited vaccination are now available at General Hospitals, LASUTH, and designated Primary Healthcare Centres.
“We are scaling up screening and vaccination to ensure that every Lagosian, especially pregnant women, healthcare workers, and vulnerable groups, has access to early diagnosis and protection,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that screening for hepatitis has been integrated into antenatal visits to prevent mother-to-child transmission, while hepatitis B vaccination is now part of routine newborn immunization.
Treatment Access and Infection Control Measures Prioritized
Citing the 2018 NAIIS survey, Abayomi noted that over 16 million Nigerians live with Hepatitis B, and more than 2 million with Hepatitis C.
In Lagos alone, a 2016 baseline study showed a 5% prevalence rate for Hepatitis B and 1% for Hepatitis C. While Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable, Hepatitis C is curable with appropriate treatment.
He revealed that trained staff in all secondary healthcare facilities are managing hepatitis cases, and the state is working to ensure the availability of affordable direct-acting antiviral drugs.
“Our blood banks are closely monitored, and only screened, safe blood is accepted and used for transfusions. We are committed to achieving zero-risk transfusions in Lagos,” he assured.
