An estimated 18.2 million Nigerians are living with chronic hepatitis B, with many unaware of their status, the Managing Director of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Dawodu, has said.
Dawodu, an anatomic and molecular pathologist, disclosed this during a free hepatitis B screening and health education programme organised by Cerba Lancet Nigeria in partnership with Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos to mark World Hepatitis Day, reports The Nation.
She said Nigeria’s hepatitis B prevalence was estimated at between eight and nine per cent, while about 325,000 new hepatitis infections, predominantly hepatitis B, were estimated in 2022, citing the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa.
The screening attracted 247 residents, exceeding the organisers’ initial target of 200 participants. Dawodu said the turnout underscored the need to expand community-level screening, vaccination and public education.
“Know your status. Get your hepatitis B status, do the test and know whether you are positive or negative. If you are positive, there is management,” she said.
She said residents who tested positive would be referred to secondary healthcare facilities for further management.
Dawodu urged stronger health education, particularly in local languages, to improve understanding of hepatitis B transmission and prevention.
She said the infection could be transmitted through infected blood and body fluids, sexual contact, contaminated needles and sharp objects, as well as from mother to child.
According to her, untreated hepatitis B can progress to serious liver complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer.
Cerba Lancet’s Head of Business Development, Temitope Ambrose, said Mushin was selected partly because it was where the company began operations.
He said the company’s initial target was 200 people, but 247 residents eventually participated, demonstrating the demand for accessible preventive healthcare.
The exercise also included medical consultations, blood pressure and weight checks, random blood sugar testing, referrals and distribution of food, drugs and other support materials.
Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Semiu Ishola Karaole, commended the initiative, saying the council remained committed to improving healthcare delivery.
He said the council has seven Primary Health Care Centres and four functional ambulances.
With millions of Nigerians estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis B, health experts say sustained screening, vaccination, public awareness and early management remain critical to reducing transmission and preventing avoidable liver disease.
