As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, the Niger State Ministry of Health says an aggressive awareness campaign will reverse the high positive burden rate of the disease in the state by encouraging laboratory examination.
This is as 7.5 per cent of about 20,000 people who were tested for hepatitis B between July 2025 and June 2026 tested positive.
The government says it is collaborating with the federal government and development partners to provide free HIV and viral hepatitis testing services for pregnant women, advancing the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C.
Among those adversely affected by Hepatitis B and C are pregnant women, as 3.2% tested positive for Hepatitis B and 2.3% for Hepatitis C revealing that the burden is high and urgent action is needed.
The Niger State Ministry of Health says it is collaborating with UNICEF and other development partners to reverse the trend by encouraging free testing and treatment.
To achieve the aim, free viral hepatitis B and C screening centres have been designated in Minna, Kontagora, Bida and Suleja.
The ministry further disclosed that efforts are in top gear from the state government to ensure that those who test positive also get free medication.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
