Lagos | July 29, 2025 — In a major public health drive, the Lagos State Government has commenced free Hepatitis B and C screening across all 57 local government areas and local council development areas, aligning with the state’s commitment to eliminate the viral infections by 2030.
The screening campaign, which began on Monday, is part of Lagos’ broader strategy to raise awareness, ensure early detection, and provide timely care for those infected, especially in underserved communities. Officials say the initiative is a critical step toward meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) hepatitis elimination target.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, said the programme will run throughout the year, providing thousands of residents with free testing and referrals for follow-up care. According to her, Lagos is determined to reduce the burden of hepatitis-related illnesses and prevent avoidable deaths.
“Hepatitis B and C are often silent killers. Many people don’t know they are infected until it’s too late,” she noted. “This initiative is not just about screening; it’s about protecting our people and building a healthier future for Lagos.”
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has deployed trained personnel, testing kits, and mobile health units to strategic locations across the LGAs, with special attention to markets, motor parks, and high-density neighborhoods where access to health care is limited.
Recent data from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows that Nigeria remains a high-burden country for hepatitis, with millions at risk of chronic liver diseases, cancer, and early mortality due to undiagnosed infections. Lagos alone accounts for a significant portion of these cases, prompting the state’s aggressive response.
State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to participate in the screening, especially those with risk factors such as multiple sexual partners, blood transfusion history, or unsterile tattooing and piercings.
The screening programme is supported by local and international health partners, including the World Hepatitis Alliance and private sector stakeholders, all working toward a Lagos free of viral hepatitis by 2030.
Officials assured that all data collected would be treated with utmost confidentiality, and those who test positive will be guided through treatment pathways under the state’s integrated hepatitis care framework.
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