Health
Niger records high Hepatitis prevalence
By Chika Otuchikere
The Niger State government has said there is a high prevalence of the Hepatitis B virus, as 7.5 per cent of 20,000 people tested positive for the disease.
The state government made the disclosure on Tuesday during the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, during which it called for aggressive awareness, saying the current figures of positive cases show the burden is high.
However, it explained that it is already collaborating with the federal government and other 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.
The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, who addressed newsmen on the issue, said the virus is preventable and treatable.
He stressed, “Too many people are still unaware of hepatitis, and this ignorance fuels its spread. Awareness is everyone’s responsibility. We must spread the message, not the virus.
“In Niger State, between July 2025 and June 2026, over 20,000 people were tested for hepatitis B, with 7.5 per cent testing positive for hepatitis C, 18,600 persons were tested, with 5.4 per cent positivity.
“Among pregnant women, 3.2 per cent tested positive for Hepatitis B and 2.3 per cent for Hepatitis C. These figures show the burden is high and urgent action is needed,” he added.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, however, emphasised that the state is committed to ensuring access to prevention, screening, and treatment across the state’s 25 local government areas.
He disclosed that other activities lined up for this year’s commemoration include the free viral hepatitis B and C screening in Minna, Kontagora, Bida, and Suleja.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, also revealed that efforts were in top gear from the state government to ensure that those who tested positive also get free treatment, as arrangements have been made to get some drugs.
Speaking in their various goodwill messages, the representatives from the World Health Organisation, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the Civil Society Organisations called on the people to take advantage of the free screening exercise to know their status.
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