According to the government, 4,252 Nigerians die each year from liver cancer caused by untreated hepatitis. Nigeria has the third-highest burden of hepatitis globally, with over 20 million people infected.
The government attributed the high prevalence of hepatitis to low awareness, misdiagnosis, and lack of access to testing and treatment. Symptoms are often mistaken for malaria, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
In response to the epidemic, the Federal Government launched Project 365, a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating Hepatitis C and interrupting the transmission of Hepatitis B by 2030.
The project includes:
- Nationwide screening, diagnosis, and treatment campaign
- Increased budgetary support for hepatitis programs
- Creation of a viral elimination fund
- Tax incentives for local pharmaceutical production
- Regulatory reforms to streamline approval processes for hepatitis-related commodities
The government also announced plans to scale up testing and treatment services, particularly in rural areas, and to engage communities in awareness and education campaigns.
Kano State Government reported that over 1.2 million residents are living with Hepatitis B, with efforts underway to provide free screening and treatment for pregnant women and newborns.