Benue State Government has raised concern over the growing burden of viral hepatitis, warning that more than 90 per cent of people living with the disease do not know they are infected.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, gave the warning on Tuesday during the 2026 World Hepatitis Day celebration, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
Ogwuche said the lack of awareness remained one of the biggest challenges in the fight against the disease, as many infected people continue to spread the virus unknowingly because hepatitis often shows symptoms similar to malaria.
“The scale of this silent epidemic in Nigeria is nothing short of staggering. Over 90 per cent of those infected remain undiagnosed and continue to unknowingly transmit the virus to others, including their children,” he said.
He said viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, revealing that more than 20 million Nigerians are living with the infection. According to him, about 18.2 million people are living with Hepatitis B, while another 2.5 million have Hepatitis C.
The commissioner also disclosed that Benue State has strengthened efforts to reduce infections through increased screening, surveillance and treatment. According to him, 35,508 pregnant women were screened for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in 2025, while 193 tested positive.
“In Benue State in 2025, 35,508 pregnant women were tested for HBV, while 193 were infected. We are also working with the Federal Ministry of Health to provide prophylactic treatment for pregnant women living with HBV in order to eliminate mother-to-child transmission,” he said.
Ogwuche said the state had aligned with the Federal Government’s Project 365 initiative, which aims to eliminate Hepatitis C and stop the transmission of Hepatitis B by 2030 through expanded screening, diagnosis and treatment.
He explained that hepatitis services would be integrated into primary healthcare centres and maternal health programmes across the state, while awareness and screening campaigns would be carried out in all 23 local government areas to improve testing and referral for treatment. He urged residents to know their hepatitis status by getting tested, receive the Hepatitis B vaccine if eligible, and seek treatment early where necessary.
