The Federal Government says Nigeria loses between N13.3trn and N17.9trn annually to hepatitis, as over 20 million citizens live with the virus.
The Federal Government has raised alarm over the economic toll of viral hepatitis, estimating an annual loss of between N13.3 trillion and N17.9 trillion. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, made this known during a briefing to mark the 2025 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja.
Represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Pate revealed that over 20 million Nigerians are infected with hepatitis, mostly undiagnosed. “Symptoms are often misdiagnosed as malaria,” he noted, adding that 4,252 Nigerians die annually from liver cancer linked to untreated hepatitis.
To combat this, the FG launched “Project 365,” a campaign for screening, diagnosis, and treatment nationwide. WHO’s acting country representative, Dr. Alex Gasasira, praised Nigeria’s efforts but urged accelerated action, stating that the country ranked third globally in hepatitis prevalence in 2022.
Gasasira also encouraged early vaccination, integration into primary care, and combating stigma. The government plans to increase funding, provide tax incentives, and support local production of hepatitis drugs.