Nigeria Grapples with Hepatitis: N17.9 Trillion Economic Loss, 4,252 Annual Deaths Revealed

Nigeria is facing a dire public health crisis as viral hepatitis inflicts an annual economic burden estimated between N13.3 trillion and N17.9 trillion, in addition to claiming the lives of 4,252 Nigerians yearly due to liver cancer caused by untreated infections. These alarming figures were disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a media briefing to commemorate World Hepatitis Day.

Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Minister Pate highlighted the staggering prevalence of the disease, stating that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living with viral hepatitis, comprising 18.2 million affected by Hepatitis B and 2.5 million by Hepatitis C. This places Nigeria as the country with the third-highest burden of hepatitis globally, with 325,000 new infections recorded in 2022 alone.

Despite the availability of vaccines and effective treatments, a significant challenge remains: over 90 percent of infected individuals are undiagnosed and unknowingly transmit the virus, including to children. “Symptoms are often misdiagnosed as malaria,” Dr. Ntadom explained. “Conditions such as fever, fatigue, and malaise are typically treated with self-medication, while the virus silently damages the liver and may progress to liver failure or cancer.”

In response to these sobering statistics, the Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive, nationwide initiative tagged “Project 365.” This year-long campaign is designed to combat Hepatitis B and C through extensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment in every community and constituency across the country, with the ultimate goal of eliminating Hepatitis C and interrupting the transmission of Hepatitis B by 2030.

Further measures announced by the Minister include increased budgetary support for hepatitis programs, the establishment of a Viral Elimination Fund (VEF), and the provision of tax incentives and regulatory reforms to encourage domestic production of hepatitis diagnostics and medications. The government also plans to introduce legislative backing to expand access to diagnosis and treatment across all healthcare levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO), represented by Dr. Mya Ngon, noted that over 70 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C in the WHO African Region, with fewer than 1 in 10 diagnosed or treated. While commending Nigeria’s proactive steps, WHO urged the nation to prioritize hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination within 24 hours of delivery, integrate testing and treatment into primary healthcare services, combat stigma and misinformation, and secure sustainable domestic financing.

Former Head of State and Nigeria’s Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis Control/Elimination, General Yakubu Gowon, in a goodwill message delivered by Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, reiterated the call for collective action against the disease.

The Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, emphasized that “Project 365” is a community-driven initiative, backed by the National Assembly, designed to reach all 360 constituencies with mass screening, treatment, and vaccination. Those diagnosed with Hepatitis C will receive curative treatment, while Hepatitis B negative individuals will be offered vaccination. The initiative also aims to address co-infections, noting that 1.21% of HIV-positive Nigerians also live with Hepatitis B, necessitating an integrated disease management approach.

The government’s concerted effort aims to break the chain of transmission and mitigate the devastating health and economic impact of hepatitis on the nation.