Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to screen at least 200,000 residents for Hepatitis B and C by 2026, with free and subsidised services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing to mark World Hepatitis Day at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
She said, “Our 2026 targets include screening at least 200,000 residents, prioritising youths, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.”
Coker emphasised that hepatitis kills one person every 30 seconds globally, adding that the state is offering free screening in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and linking positive cases to treatment centres like OOUTH and FMC Abeokuta.
Describing hepatitis as a “silent killer,” Coker warned that many infected individuals remain unaware due to the absence of symptoms in over 50% of cases. She said the disease, particularly Hepatitis B and C, is transmitted through unprotected sex, childbirth, or contact with contaminated objects, and could lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis.
“It is no longer acceptable that approximately one in 10 Nigerians is positive for hepatitis,” she stressed.
The state is currently offering routine antenatal screening and free birth-dose vaccination for newborns in all public health facilities.
Coker praised the 2025 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” as a timely call for clarity and collaboration.
She announced plans to launch a Hepatitis Data Dashboard to monitor progress, while calling on healthcare workers, traditional leaders, and the media to join the fight.
