LAGOS, Nigeria – The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, has raised concern over the alarmingly low awareness of hepatitis in Nigeria, describing the infection as a “silent killer” affecting millions.
Speaking during a medical outreach on Tuesday at Odo-Eran Market, Obantoko, to mark World Hepatitis Day, ARD President Dr. Adegboyega Omogbolahan revealed that Nigeria faces a hepatitis B and C prevalence rate of 8.1 to 9.5 per cent amounting to nearly 20 million infected citizens.
“There is a low level of awareness, under-reporting, under-diagnosis, and under-treatment of hepatitis B and C in Nigeria,” he said. “Hepatitis B is the deadliest and most stubborn. Although it has no cure yet, one can live with it through regular check-ups and timely vaccination.”
The outreach was jointly organised by ARD, BAARD Concept, and the Ogun State Government, offering free screenings, vaccinations, and health talks aimed at educating grassroots communities.
The outreach emphasised preventive strategies including blood and injection safety, harm reduction, infant vaccination, and mother-to-child transmission prevention. He further called on the private sector to partner with government in combating the spread of hepatitis.
Other speakers, including Dr. Issa Kamorudeen Jimoh, Dr. Idrees Jimoh, and Dr. Badmus Tajudeen Adeolu, gave detailed explanations on how hepatitis is transmitted, urging the public to avoid sharing sharp objects and to know their status.
“The disease could be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby or through any blood-to-blood and fluid contact,” Dr. Jimoh explained.
Mrs. Adu Olufunke from the Ogun State Ministry of Health also warned students against sharing sharp objects in school, while emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination.
