Nigeria takes strong action on World Hepatitis Day, raising awareness, tackling viral hepatitis, and featuring local outreach initiatives.
Today, July 28, 2025, is World Hepatitis Day, a crucial global event aimed at raising awareness about the silent but serious threat of viral hepatitis. This year, the theme "One Life, One Liver" emphasizes the importance of protecting our liver, a vital organ that plays hundreds of essential roles in our body. Across the globe and in Nigeria, millions of people are living with hepatitis, unaware of the damage it may cause to their liver until it’s too late. The time to act is now.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What viral hepatitis is and its types.
- The burden of hepatitis in Nigeria.
- World Hepatitis Day’s significance.
- Steps to protect your liver.
- The role of the Nigerian government and local initiatives.
- How medical students from FUBiMSA, NIMSA, and SCOPH are raising awareness in local communities.
Let’s explore how you can contribute to the fight against hepatitis and help protect your liver.
What is Hepatitis? Understanding the Basics
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, toxins, or other factors. However, viral hepatitis is the most concerning, and it’s caused by five major types of viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.
- Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water. Usually causes acute infection and is preventable by vaccine.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through infected blood or body fluids. It can become chronic, leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. There is a vaccine.
- Hepatitis C: Mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as via contaminated needles. It often becomes chronic, leading to serious liver damage, but it is treatable.
- Hepatitis D: Only occurs in people who are already infected with Hepatitis B. It worsens the effects of Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E: Mostly spread through contaminated water, causing acute illness. It rarely becomes chronic except in pregnant women.
In Nigeria, Hepatitis B and C are the most prevalent and require immediate action due to their potential for chronicity and severe complications.
The Hepatitis Burden in Nigeria
Nigeria faces a heavy burden of viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C. Millions of Nigerians are unaware of their hepatitis status, leading to a “silent epidemic.” Without symptoms, people may unknowingly pass on the virus to others, making it a serious public health concern.
The consequences of untreated hepatitis are severe and can include:
- Liver Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, which may eventually lead to liver failure.
- Liver Cancer: A common consequence of chronic hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C.
- Liver Failure: The liver ceases to function, leading to life-threatening consequences.
Several challenges, including low awareness, stigma, and inadequate access to testing and treatment, make it difficult for Nigerians to tackle this issue.
World Hepatitis Day 2025: “One Life, One Liver” – Why It Matters to You
World Hepatitis Day serves as a global reminder that your liver is irreplaceable and essential to good health. The theme, "One Life, One Liver," urges everyone to understand the importance of liver health and take steps to protect it.
Your liver performs essential tasks such as filtering toxins, producing bile, storing energy, and making proteins for blood clotting. When hepatitis damages the liver, these functions are compromised, affecting your overall health.
This year, the call to action is clear: Prevent hepatitis through vaccination, early diagnosis, and treatment, while fostering awareness in communities.
Protecting Yourself: Prevention and Steps to Take
The good news is that viral hepatitis is preventable and manageable. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your community:
For Hepatitis A & E (Food and Waterborne):
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Drink Safe Water: Only drink treated or bottled water, especially when traveling.
- Safe Food: Ensure food is thoroughly cooked and prepared in hygienic conditions.
For Hepatitis B & C (Bloodborne):
- Vaccination: Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. It is highly effective at preventing infection.
- Safe Practices: Always use condoms for safe sex. Avoid sharing needles, razors, or other personal items that may come into contact with blood.
- Safe Medical Care: Ensure all medical instruments are sterilized before use, and be cautious of unregulated medical procedures like tattoos.
Youth Engagement: Students Leading the Fight Against Hepatitis
On this World Hepatitis Day, local youth initiatives are playing a significant role in the fight against hepatitis. Students, especially those from medical backgrounds, are actively raising awareness and driving community engagement.
For example, today, July 28, 2025, the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA) through its Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH), and the Federal University Birnin Kebbi Medical Students Association (FUBiMSA), are organizing a World Hepatitis Day Outreach in Kalgo, Kebbi State. The event is part of their commitment to educating local communities about hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment.
 |
| Dedicated medical students from Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBiMSA) preparing for their World Hepatitis Day outreach |
These dedicated medical students are moving from one community to another, creating awareness about hepatitis, especially in places where many people may not know much about the disease. Their outreach is not just a school activity it is real health work that is helping to save lives.
Through their efforts, families are learning how hepatitis spreads, how to prevent it, and why testing is important. This shows the true impact of youth-led health education in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA), the SCOPH public health arm, and the medical students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBiMSA) deserve full praise for their commitment.
Testing: Know Your Status
Since hepatitis is often asymptomatic, the only way to know if you’re infected is by getting tested. Early detection can save lives and prevent liver damage. The benefits of knowing your status include:
Access to timely medical care.Prevention of further liver damage.
Prevention of transmission to others.
Anyone with risk factors (e.g., a history of blood transfusions, sharing needles, or unprotected sex) should get tested. Testing for Hepatitis B and C is available at most healthcare centers and NGOs across Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Efforts: Combating Hepatitis
The Nigerian government has made significant strides in the fight against hepatitis through various initiatives:
National Action Plan: The government is implementing a strategic plan for hepatitis control, including vaccination and awareness campaigns.Vaccination Programs: Hepatitis B vaccination is available to infants at birth and to adults at risk.
Collaboration with NGOs: Local organizations are helping to expand access to testing and treatment services across the country.
However, continued investment and public engagement are necessary to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat.
Protect Your Liver, Protect Your Life
World Hepatitis Day 2025 is not just a day for reflection; it’s a call to action. The “One Life, One Liver” message reminds us all that we must take care of our liver to live a healthy life. With the continued efforts of the government, medical students, and NGOs, Nigeria is making progress in the fight against hepatitis.
Protect yourself by practicing prevention, getting vaccinated, and getting tested. Together, we can build a healthier, hepatitis free Nigeria.
Sources: WHO, NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Global Hepatitis Report,Fubk students.