Oluwatobi Adu 
A pathologist and UK-based lecturer, Dr. Sunday Adeyemo
ABUJA, Nigeria – A leading pathologist and UK-based university lecturer has warned that Nigeria’s growing hepatitis crisis is silently driving liver disease and preventable deaths, urging Nigerians to get tested early rather than wait for symptoms to appear.
Speaking during an online interview with Africa Health Report during the weekend, Dr. Sunday Adeyemo said low awareness, delayed diagnosis, stigma and limited access to treatment continue to fuel the hepatitis crisis across the country.
“Go and test. Do not wait for symptoms because they may never come until it is too late,” Adeyemo said.
The expert explained that hepatitis B and hepatitis C remain major public health concerns in Nigeria, with many infected individuals unaware of their status until severe liver complications develop.
According to him, hepatitis B spreads primarily through blood and body fluids, particularly from mother to child during childbirth. Other transmission routes include unprotected sex and the sharing of contaminated sharp objects such as needles, blades and clippers.
Hepatitis C, he noted, is transmitted mainly through blood-to-blood contact, including shared needles, unscreened blood transfusions and unsterilised medical equipment.
Highlighting common risk factors in everyday life, Adeyemo said: “Your barber’s blade. That drip or injection at a roadside chemist. Ear piercing done without a new needle. Even sharing a toothbrush or nail clipper with someone who is positive.”
He also sought to correct misconceptions that often contribute to discrimination against infected individuals.
“You cannot get it from a handshake, sharing food, or sitting next to someone. That is a major misconception that feeds stigma,” he said.
On treatment options, Adeyemo drew a clear distinction between the two viruses.
“Hepatitis C — yes, it can be cured. Completely. With the right drugs taken for about 8 to 12 weeks, more than 95 out of 100 patients are cleared of the virus. The problem is access and cost here in Nigeria,” he said.
For hepatitis B, he explained that while a complete cure is not yet available, the virus can be effectively controlled.
“We cannot fully eradicate it from the body yet, but we can suppress it — keep it quiet so it causes no damage. Most patients take medication long term, maybe for life. They live normal lives on treatment.”
Adeyemo said patient outcomes largely depend on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, alcohol consumption, co-existing infections and regular medical monitoring.
“Early diagnosis plus good care equals good outcomes. That is the simple truth,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to undergo hepatitis screening at government hospitals, private laboratories and diagnostic centres, noting that testing for HBsAg and anti-HCV is widely available without requiring a prescription.
For those who test negative for hepatitis B, he recommended vaccination.
“If your result is negative and you have never been vaccinated against hepatitis B, take the vaccine. Three doses. It is very effective,” he advised.
He also stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical care after potential exposure.
“If you have a needle or sharp object injury from someone who is hepatitis B positive, go to a hospital within 24 to 72 hours. There is a medicine that can protect you if given quickly — do not wait at home.”
His comments come amid growing calls for expanded hepatitis testing, affordable treatment programmes and stronger public education campaigns to reduce the burden of liver disease in Nigeria.
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Mirian Gom 
Korede Abdullah 
