The Federal Government on Monday disclosed that Nigeria incurs economic losses estimated between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion annually due to hepatitis-related health complications and associated costs.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja to mark World Hepatitis Day 2025.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down.”
Speaking through the Director of Public Health at the ministry, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Pate said hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 20 million Nigerians currently infected with Hepatitis B and C.
“Nigeria ranks third globally in terms of hepatitis burden,” the minister said. “An estimated 18.2 million Nigerians are infected with Hepatitis B, while 2.5 million live with Hepatitis C.”
He added that 4,252 Nigerians die annually from liver cancer linked to untreated hepatitis infections.
Pate noted that more than 90 percent of infected persons are unaware of their status and unknowingly transmit the virus.
He said hepatitis symptoms such as fever and fatigue are often mistaken for malaria, resulting in self-medication and delayed treatment, which can lead to liver damage or cancer.
To address the situation, the Federal Government has launched Project 365, a year-long national campaign focused on hepatitis screening, diagnosis, and treatment in all federal constituencies.
The government also announced additional interventions, including increased funding for hepatitis programs, the establishment of a Viral Elimination Fund, tax incentives for local pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory reforms to improve access to diagnostics and treatment.
READ ALSO: Ogun to Screen 200,000 Residents for Hepatitis by 2026
In a goodwill message, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s efforts.
The National Coordinator of Africa CDC, Dr. Oluyinka Olayemi, represented by Titilola Munkail, said Nigeria is demonstrating leadership in hepatitis control on the continent.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), who serves as Presidential Ambassador on viral hepatitis control, commended the government’s commitment.
Represented by Adeyeye Ajayi, Gowon urged Nigerians to support the 2030 hepatitis elimination target.
Also speaking, Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, said the government will work with the National Assembly to mobilize communities for testing, vaccination, and treatment.
He advised the public to adopt preventive practices and highlighted the importance of condom use, abstinence, and faithfulness in reducing transmission.
He added that while hepatitis C is curable, hepatitis B can only be managed with medication.