WHO Flags Nigeria in Global Hepatitis Burden
A WHO report has listed Nigeria among countries with high hepatitis deaths, calling for urgent improvements in testing, treatment, and prevention efforts.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Nigeria among countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis deaths in 2024.
In its latest report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said viral hepatitis B and C remain the leading causes of death linked to the disease worldwide. Together, they accounted for about 1.34 million deaths in 2024, with over 4,900 new infections recorded daily, equal to roughly 1.8 million cases each year. The findings highlight the scale of the ongoing hepatitis deaths Nigeria challenge.
The report identified Nigeria as one of ten countries responsible for 69 per cent of hepatitis B-related deaths globally. It also noted that Nigeria ranks among nations contributing to 58 per cent of hepatitis C deaths worldwide, showing the country’s significant share of the global burden.
Despite these concerns, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported some progress since 2015. New hepatitis B infections have dropped by 32 per cent, while hepatitis C-related deaths have fallen by 12 per cent. Among children under five, hepatitis B prevalence has declined to 0.6 per cent, with several countries reaching elimination targets.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that elimination remains achievable. “Eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream; it’s possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing,” he said. However, he warned that many people remain undiagnosed due to stigma, weak health systems, and limited access to care.
Globally, about 287 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C, yet treatment coverage remains below five per cent. The report calls for urgent expansion of vaccination, testing, and care to reduce hepatitis deaths Nigeria and meet 2030 targets.
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