LAGOS COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH REVEALS SHOCKING HEPATITIS STATS OVER 16 MILLION NIGERIANS HAVE HEPATITIS B WHILE LAGOS RECORDS 5 PREVALENCE
In a bold move to tackle the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has disclosed alarming statistics from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey NAIIS. The report shows that over 16 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, while more than two million are infected with Hepatitis C.
A 2016 baseline survey in Lagos revealed a 5 prevalence rate for Hepatitis B and 1 for Hepatitis C, signaling an urgent need for action. Speaking at his office in Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the 2025 World Hepatitis Day with the theme *Hepatitis Lets Break It Down*, Professor Abayomi described the disease as a silent killer and urged residents to get tested and vaccinated immediately.
A SILENT EPIDEMIC WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES
Hepatitis B and C, the most dangerous strains, are leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer—often showing no symptoms until irreversible damage is done. But there is hope: Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of Hepatitis C, curable.
LAGOS TAKES ACTION TOWARDS ELIMINATION BY 2030
The Lagos State Government is aggressively pursuing the global target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 through a four-point strategy:
– Prevention through vaccination and public awareness
– Mass Testingto identify undiagnosed cases
– Effective Treatment for those infected
-Community Engagement to dispel myths and encourage action
FREE SCREENING AND VACCINATION NOW AVAILABLE
To curb the spread, Lagos is offering free Hepatitis B and C screening and limited free vaccinations across General Hospitals, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH, and select Primary Health Centres in all 57 Local Government and Council Development Areas. Health workers and pregnant women are prioritized.
PROTECTING THE NEXT GENERATION
Hepatitis B vaccination is now part of routine immunization for newborns, and all pregnant women are screened during antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
DONT WAIT UNTIL ITS TOO LATE GET TESTED TODAYProfessor Abayomi urged every Lagosian to take charge of their health.”Hepatitis is a silent killer, but together, we can break it down. Know your status, get vaccinated, and protect your loved ones.”
The state has launched a massive awareness campaign using radio, TV, social media, and community outreach to educate citizens. The message is clear: Hepatitis is dangerous, but preventable. Act now before it strikes silently.
YOUR HEALTH IS IN YOUR HANDS GET SCREENED NOW
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