Expert Calls For Wider Testing, Vaccination As World Marks Hepatitis Day

Expert Calls For Wider Testing, Vaccination As World Marks Hepatitis Day

ZARIA -  A public health expert has called for increased awareness, early testing, vaccination, and access to treatment as the world commemorates World Hepatitis Day 2026.  

A Professor of Community Medicine at the College of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Idris Sulaiman, made the call while speaking to journalists on Monday to mark the annual observance on July 28.  

“About 300 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis, while 1.3 million deaths are recorded annually from hepatitis-related complications,” Professor Sulaiman said.  

He explained the significance of the day. “World Hepatitis Day is observed to raise awareness, expand access to testing and treatment, and accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis,” he said.  
The medical expert noted that Hepatitis B and C remain major causes of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in Nigeria. “Hepatitis B and C remain major causes of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in Nigeria, with millions of people unaware of their infection due to low awareness, stigma, and limited access to healthcare,” Professor Sulaiman said.  

He urged governments and health authorities to make services available at the grassroots.“Governments and health authorities should make hepatitis services, including testing, vaccination, and treatment, readily available and affordable at primary healthcare centres,” he said.  

Professor Sulaiman also encouraged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health.“Nigerians should know their hepatitis status through regular screening and ensure children receive the recommended hepatitis vaccination at birth and during routine immunisation,” he said.  

He highlighted the progress made in managing the disease. “Hepatitis B can be effectively managed, while Hepatitis C is curable with available antiviral medicines,” he explained.  

The professor further stressed preventive measures to curb transmission. “We must promote safe blood transfusion, safe injection practices, good hygiene, and responsible sexual behaviour to prevent transmission,”he said.  

He also called for an end to discrimination against patients.“We must end the stigma associated with hepatitis. It is a medical condition, not a moral issue. Government, healthcare workers, the media, civil society organisations, and communities must work together to improve access to care and public education,” Professor Sulaiman said.  

The theme for this year's commemoration i“Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down.”