The Ogun State Government has announced plans to conduct free hepatitis screening for at least 200,000 residents by 2026 as part of its efforts to control the spread of the viral infection.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during a press briefing held in Abeokuta to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day. The event was themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
According to Coker, hepatitis continues to be a major public health threat, with Nigeria recording a high national prevalence of Hepatitis B at 8.1% and Hepatitis C at 1.1%, based on the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
“The time is now to take bold, strategic steps. Hepatitis is killing one person every 30 seconds globally,” she warned, citing World Health Organisation data.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s plan to provide free screenings, subsidised vaccinations, and treatment linkage for individuals who test positive.
Special attention will be given to youths, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, who are among the most vulnerable groups.
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She said the programme includes ongoing screenings during antenatal care, free birth-dose vaccinations for newborns, and partnerships with hospitals like OOUTH and FMC Abeokuta for treatment referrals.
Coker also announced that the state will launch a Hepatitis Data Dashboard to track progress and improve accountability.
She urged health workers to prioritise infection prevention, and called on community and media leaders to raise awareness.
“We are committed to breaking the chain of transmission and protecting future generations,” she added.
The government, in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, has commenced free screening and subsidised vaccination campaigns across all six state hospitals.