Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis with a statewide free screening and Hepatitis B vaccination campaign, urging residents to know their hepatitis status and seek early treatment to prevent life-threatening liver diseases.

Speaking at the 2026 World Hepatitis Day commemoration held at Ikorodu General Hospital on Tuesday 28th July, 2026, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to increase awareness, expand access to testing and vaccination, and reduce hepatitis-related deaths across the state.

Fisher noted that hepatitis remains one of the leading causes of death among infectious diseases because many infected persons are unaware of their status, stressing that the state had stepped up public enlightenment through radio and television campaigns alongside simultaneous community screening exercises in Ikorodu, Isolo and Agege.

He disclosed that residents who tested negative for Hepatitis B during the outreach received the vaccine free of charge, while those who tested positive were immediately referred to designated specialist centres for further evaluation and treatment. “Our major message is prevention. We want everyone to know their hepatitis status because early detection helps prevent complications. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, while Hepatitis C can be cured with appropriate treatment,” he said.

The Programme Coordinator explained that the Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses for full protection, urging beneficiaries to complete the vaccination schedule by taking the second dose one month after the first and the final dose six months after commencement.

Fisher revealed that the Lagos State Government had increased budgetary support for hepatitis prevention and recently vaccinated about 5,000 healthcare workers because of their higher occupational risk, adding that partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental organisations had made free screening and vaccination possible for vulnerable residents.

According to him, treatment services for infected persons are available at designated facilities including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, General Hospitals in Surulere and Gbagada, Massey Street Children’s Hospital and other centres with specialist gastroenterologists.

He warned that untreated Hepatitis B can gradually damage the liver and lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, while also cautioning residents against behaviours that increase the risk of infection, including sharing sharp objects, using unsterilised instruments and engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse.

Consultant Public Health Physician at Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Yetunde Odusolu, described hepatitis as a major public health concern, explaining that the disease could result from viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption or misuse of certain medications.

She said Hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous because they often remain symptomless for years until severe liver damage has occurred. “They are often referred to as silent killers because they may not show symptoms until serious liver damage has already occurred,” she said, urging residents to take advantage of the free screening and vaccination services.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hepatitis Access Limited, Dr. Husain Abdulrazaq, said low public awareness remained one of the biggest obstacles to hepatitis elimination despite the disease being among the world’s leading infectious killers. He emphasised that testing remains the only reliable way for people to know their hepatitis status.

“If you test positive, it is not the end of life. Hepatitis can be managed effectively, and with early diagnosis and proper treatment, liver damage can be prevented, allowing people to live long and healthy lives,” Abdulrazaq stated, encouraging those who test negative to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Project Manager of Blessed Medical Aid Foundation, Miss Ajagunna Adedolapo, whose organisation partnered with the Ministry for the outreach, said the collaboration would strengthen coordinated hepatitis interventions and improve documentation of beneficiaries reached through community programmes.

She disclosed that the foundation had already reached about 180 residents before the event and expected to screen and vaccinate more than 200 people during the exercise. According to her, participants who tested positive had been enrolled on a follow-up platform for counselling and linkage to treatment, while those who tested negative would receive the complete three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination schedule.

Beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing the services as seamless, professional and completely free. Mrs. Abdulaquadri Aminat said she attended the programme after receiving an invitation from a friend and urged other residents to take advantage of the opportunity to know their hepatitis status.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Halimat Oladimeji, said she was screened and vaccinated and had been advised to return for the second dose next month, noting that early testing and vaccination remain the best protection against the disease.

Also speaking, Mr. Gbadegeshin Samuel said the outreach had improved his understanding of hepatitis prevention and management, revealing that both he and his wife tested negative and received the Hepatitis B vaccine. He encouraged residents to embrace regular screening, saying knowing one’s status provides peace of mind and helps prevent serious health complications.

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