With free screening, vaccinations, and a four-pronged campaign, Lagos aims to become Nigeria’s model state in defeating the silent killer.
By Bunmi Yekini
The Lagos State Government has rolled out an aggressive campaign to eliminate Viral Hepatitis as a threat to residents’ lives, aligning its action with the global goal of eradicating the disease by 2030.
The campaign, unveiled to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, carries the theme: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.” It involves a statewide awareness blitz, free screenings, limited vaccinations, and strengthened access to treatment.
Speaking at a briefing in Alausa on Monday, July 28, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described Viral Hepatitis as a “silent but deadly epidemic” that has affected millions across the world, including millions of Nigerians, without warning signs.
“Hepatitis B and C are dangerous because they often show no symptoms until it’s too late, causing liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer,” Abayomi said. “We are demystifying this disease and encouraging Lagosians to take control of their health.”
According to data cited by the Commissioner, over 16 million Nigerians are currently living with Hepatitis B, while more than 2 million have Hepatitis C. In Lagos, a 2016 survey showed prevalence rates of 5% and 1% for Hepatitis B and C respectively.
To tackle this, the Lagos State Government has launched what it calls a four-pillar strategy: prevention, testing, treatment, and awareness.
As part of the campaign, residents can now access free Hepatitis B and C screenings and limited vaccinations at General Hospitals, LASUTH, and designated Primary Health Centres across all 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs.
“We’ve prioritized healthcare workers and pregnant women for these services,” Abayomi stated. “Vaccination against Hepatitis B is now part of routine newborn immunization, and all pregnant women are screened during their first antenatal visit.”
To boost access to care, over 400 health professionals have been trained to manage Viral Hepatitis across Lagos’ secondary health facilities. The state is also working to provide affordable antiviral medication, including direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C.
In terms of safety and prevention, the Commissioner reassured the public that Lagos is enforcing strict infection control across public and private hospitals, with a focus on sterilization and safe blood transfusion practices.
“Only screened blood makes it into our hospitals,” Abayomi said firmly. “Our goal is zero-risk transfusion.”
Lagos is also supporting the national movement titled “365 Days to Break Down Hepatitis – Constituency by Constituency,” which will take Hepatitis awareness and testing to every federal constituency in the country over the next year.
Notably, Lagos became the first Nigerian state to create a dedicated government budget line for Hepatitis, a milestone which has enabled deeper investments into the fight.
Other key achievements cited include:
- Treating 100 patients under a partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative
- Training hundreds of health workers
- Introducing HCV viral load testing in public hospitals
The Commissioner also released a personal message titled “A Letter to Lagosians on Hepatitis”, encouraging people to test regularly, get vaccinated, and avoid risky behaviors such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
“To eliminate Hepatitis, we need everyone, health workers, parents, religious leaders, media professionals, everyone has a role to play,” Abayomi said. “No one must be left behind.”
As the campaign kicks off, Lagosians are urged to visit the nearest PHC or General Hospital to check their status and get vaccinated if eligible.
“With shared responsibility and consistent action, we can build a Hepatitis-free Lagos,” the Commissioner concluded.
Residents are urged to locate their nearest screening and vaccination center by visiting the Lagos State Ministry of Health website or calling the State Health Helpline.