The Lagos state government has commenced free screening and vaccination for Hepatitis B and C across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The Initiative, which kicked off in tandem with the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration, is part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the silent but deadly disease that affects millions of Nigerians. With the campaign theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” the state aims to increase early detection, boost vaccination coverage, and raise public awareness through an integrated, grassroots approach.

The Lagos state commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, at a press briefing on Monday, in Lagos, described viral hepatitis as a silent epidemic that often progresses unnoticed until it causes severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer.

Abayomi revealed that the state had activated free testing and limited vaccination services at General Hospitals, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and designated Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across all LGAs and LCDAs.

“We are scaling up screening and vaccination to ensure that every Lagosian, especially pregnant women, healthcare workers, and vulnerable groups, has access to early diagnosis and protection. This is a state-wide, multi-sectoral effort,” the Commissioner said.

Abayomi said the screening will help identify asymptomatic carriers of the Hepatitis B and C viruses, particularly among those who are unaware of their infection status.

Vaccination against Hepatitis B has also been integrated into the routine newborn immunization schedule, and all pregnant women are now being screened at their first antenatal clinic visit to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Citing statistics from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), Abayomi noted that over 16 million Nigerians live with Hepatitis B, while more than 2 million are affected by Hepatitis C. In Lagos state alone, a 2016 baseline survey revealed a 5 percent prevalence rate for Hepatitis B and 1 percent for Hepatitis C, he added.

While Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, Hepatitis C is curable with the right treatment, as Abayomi said the state had trained staff at all secondary healthcare facilities to provide care and management for Hepatitis cases, and is working to ensure the availability of affordable direct-acting antiviral drugs for patients.

He assured residents of the government’s commitment to safe medical practices, noting that the state enforces strict infection control protocols in public and private health facilities, including sterilization of medical equipment and safe blood transfusion. “Our blood banks are closely monitored, and only screened, safe blood is accepted and used for transfusions. We are committed to achieving zero-risk transfusions in Lagos,” he said. (BusinessDay)