As part of efforts to curb the spread of viral hepatitis across Osun State, the state government has launched a statewide awareness campaign and free screening exercise to mark the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
The event, organised by the State Ministry of Health in partnership with Shepherd for Health, Environment Advocacy and Development, SHEAD Centre, with support from ECEWS and Amen Foundation, was held on Monday at the Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Osogbo.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, said this year’s global theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” focuses on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Adekunle noted that hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, bacteria, alcohol, drugs and other factors, with viral hepatitis accounting for over 60% of cases worldwide.
Quoting global and national data, the Permanent Secretary said viral hepatitis affects about 350 million people globally and causes over 1.3 million deaths yearly.
In Nigeria, an estimated 18.2 million people live with Hepatitis B and 2.5 million with Hepatitis C. He added that untreated cases contribute to about 4,252 liver cancer deaths annually in the country.
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For Osun, he disclosed that 128,670 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were screened between January 2024 and June 2026, with 944 testing positive.
He said Hepatitis A and E can be prevented through clean water, sanitation and hygiene, while Hepatitis B and C require avoiding infected blood, safe sex, and Hepatitis B vaccination.
The government urged residents to take advantage of free screening at selected Primary Health Care Centres and the Ministry of Health.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dr Akeem Bello, and representatives of SHEAD, ECEWS and Amen Foundation commended the state for its commitment and stressed that collective action is key to eliminating hepatitis.
They noted that hepatitis is preventable and treatable, and called on residents to get tested early to protect themselves and their families.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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