Today as we observe World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is aiming at eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. However, under-diagnosis remains a concern, particularly in countries with lower socioeconomic development.

The day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, which causes inflammation of the liver that leads to severe disease and liver cancer. Viral Hepatitis is a major global health problem with more than 400 million patients chronically infected, causing over 1.4 million deaths per year globally. Its prevalence varies throughout the World but is highest in Tropical Regions.

It is estimated that 5-15% of Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa are chronically infected with HBV.

According to WHO, someone in the world dies from hepatitis-related complications every 30 seconds. “It is our collective responsibility to raise and undertake vaccination drives to eradicate this disease from the face of this planet as soon as possible,” read a statement by WHO.

Nigeria contributes significantly to the global burden of chronic viral Hepatitis with a prevalence rate of 8.1% for Hepatitis B and 1.1% for Hepatitis C. This translates to an estimated 16.2 million people with HBV and 2.2% million people living with HCV. Despite the clinical impact associated with this disease, the majority of infected people are unaware of their status, largely driven by the asymptomatic nature of the disease.

The World Hepatitis Day aims to highlight the need for bringing hepatitis care closer to the primary health facilities and communities so that people have better access to treatment and care, no matter what type of hepatitis they may have.

Hepatitis is the current leading cause of liver cancer. So as the individuals, organizations, and governments around the World celebrate progress made and to meet the
current challenges. It’s also an opportunity to get tested to avoid liver failure, cirrhosis, and cancer.