The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria suffers an annual economic loss of between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion due to hepatitis-related health and productivity costs, while an estimated 4,252 Nigerians die each year from liver cancer linked to untreated hepatitis infections.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made this known on Monday during a media briefing to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukuma Anyaike, the minister described Nigeria’s hepatitis crisis as “a silent epidemic,” revealing that the country ranks third globally in terms of disease burden, with over 20 million Nigerians living with hepatitis B and C.
“Of this figure, 18.2 million are living with hepatitis B while 2.5 million are affected by hepatitis C. Alarmingly, over 90 per cent of those infected are undiagnosed, and many unknowingly transmit the virus, including to children,” he said.
He added that hepatitis symptoms—such as fatigue, fever and malaise—are often mistaken for malaria, leading many patients to self-medicate while the virus silently progresses to severe liver damage, liver failure, or cancer.
To combat the growing crisis, the Federal Government has launched Project 365, a year-long, constituency-based campaign to promote hepatitis screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The initiative targets the elimination of hepatitis C and aims to interrupt hepatitis B transmission by 2030.
The government also announced other interventions, including:Increased funding for hepatitis programmes,The creation of a Viral Hepatitis Elimination Fund,Tax incentives and regulatory reforms to boost local production of treatment drugs and Legislative support to improve access to diagnostic tools and care across all regions.
Also speaking at the event, former Head of State and Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis Elimination, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), called on Nigerians to overcome stigma and misinformation around hepatitis.
Represented by Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, Gowon urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight against the deadly disease.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. We must promote awareness, education, and collective action. Together, we can make Nigeria hepatitis-free,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Oluyinka Olayemi, the National Coordinator for Africa CDC, praised Nigeria’s leadership in fighting hepatitis and pledged continued support. Her remarks were delivered by Titilola Munkail, a Technical Officer at the Centre.
Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, explained that Project 365 would rely heavily on grassroots mobilisation, media engagement, and advocacy to raise awareness and ensure access to screening and treatment services.
He emphasised the need for behavioral change, encouraging preventive measures such as abstinence, faithfulness, and condom use, due to the similar transmission pathways of hepatitis B, C, and HIV.
“Hepatitis C is curable with proper treatment. Hepatitis B is not curable, but it can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate medication,” he stated.
Hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver—can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, and exposure to certain toxins.
The most common strains are A, B, C, D and E, with types B and C being the most dangerous due to their potential to cause chronic liver disease and cancer.
Nigeria’s hepatitis crisis has emerged as a major public health challenge, with experts calling for sustained investment, community engagement, and comprehensive health reforms to curb its deadly impact.
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