As the world marks 2025 World Hepatitis Day, the Ogun State Government has urged residents to take advantage of its free screening and subsidised vaccination services to combat the growing burden of viral hepatitis.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made the call during a press briefing in Abeokuta, aligning with the global theme: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down", saying government had put plans in motion to make screening more accessible to residents of the State.

She described hepatitis as a “silent epidemic” that damages the liver and could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, particularly in the cases of Hepatitis B and C, adding that it was important for all residents to know their status on time.

“Hepatitis B and C are deadly, often asymptomatic and spread much like HIV—through unprotected sex, from mother to child at birth and through contaminated sharp objects,” she said.

Dr. Coker cited World Health Organization (WHO) figures that as of 2022, over 290 million people globally were living with viral hepatitis, with more than one million hepatitis-related deaths annually. Nigeria’s own burden remains high, with a national prevalence of 8.1 percent for Hepatitis B and 1.1 percent for Hepatitis C, according to the 2018 NAIIS report.

She emphasised that Hepatitis B was preventable through vaccination and recommended immunisation for all infants, high-risk adults and pregnant women who missed earlier doses.

Dr. Coker announced that, in partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, the State is offering free hepatitis screening at all six State hospitals, subsidised vaccinations for negative individuals and linkage to care for Hepatitis B-positive patients at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta.

“Our 2026 targets are ambitious but achievable. We hope to screen at least 200,000 residents, with priority given to youths, pregnant women and healthcare workers. Also, we are expanding services across all senatorial districts and aiming to achieve 95 percent birth-dose coverage for Hepatitis B," She added.

The Commissioner revealed that as part of the state’s broader hepatitis control roadmap, there were plans to launch an Ogun State Hepatitis Data Dashboard to enhance transparency and track progress.

Dr. Coker, however, urged community leaders to mobilise residents, media practitioners to combat misinformation and healthcare workers to lead the charge through prevention, screening and vaccination.