Professor Tanimola Akande, a Public Health expert at the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, has highlighted the concerning issue of undiagnosed cases of hepatitis among Nigerians.
He conveyed this information during an interview with Naijatraffic in honor of the 2024 World Hepatitis Day, which falls on July 28 each year to raise awareness about viral hepatitis.
The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is ‘It’s time for action.’ Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and cancer, can be caused by viral infections or non-infectious factors such as drugs, toxins, or alcohol. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E – with B and C being the most common infections.
According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis B and C are responsible for 1.3 million deaths and 2.2 million new infections annually worldwide. In Nigeria, the 2018 Nigeria HIV-AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey indicated prevalence rates of 8.1% for Hepatitis B and 1.1% for Hepatitis C among adults aged 15 to 64.
Shockingly, it is estimated that over 20 million Nigerians are living with hepatitis B, C, or both, yet more than 80% of them are unaware of their status.
Professor Akande, a former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria and a seasoned expert in Epidemiology and Community Health, is urging for proactive measures to address this public health concern.
“A huge number of Nigerians are living with undiagnosed hepatitis.
“This is true because most of them are largely undiagnosed because some do not show symptoms and do not present to the hospital for testing.”
He mentioned that most symptoms only appear once the disease is advanced, with most people discovering they have hepatitis B or C when they develop serious liver disease or cancer.
Akande, a member of the Expert Review Committee on Poliomyelitis Eradication Initiative and Routine Immunisation in Nigeria, Noted, “In this part of the world, the practice of periodic medical examination is low. The global goal of eliminating hepatitis is highly desirable. “While some countries will be able to achieve this goal, others, particularly in developing nations, will not be able to achieve this goal.
“At the current pace of preventive measures in Nigeria, the likelihood of achieving the goal is low. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are several causes. In addition to common viral causes of hepatitis, alcohol, drugs, and toxins can also cause hepatitis.
“We need a massive increase in awareness of hepatitis. This will make people present for testing. Laboratory facilities need to be provided across health facilities in Nigeria to ensure access by people for testing.
“This will strengthen the diagnosis of the disease. There is also a need to build the capacity of health workers on testing, diagnosing, and treatment of hepatitis.”
Akande observed that while numerous countries have established policies, programs, and strategies to combat infectious diseases, their implementation is often hindered by various challenges, which differ from nation to nation.
Some countries struggle with program implementation due to inadequate funding or over-reliance on external donors.
In Nigeria, a comprehensive program has been developed to control the spread of infection, including workplace precautions, such as universal precautions in healthcare settings, and policies for managing sexually transmitted infections.
Akande emphasized the crucial role of early detection through screening, effective case management, and free treatment in alleviating the burden of infectious diseases.
On the risk factors, he noted, “The risk factors include risky sexual behaviours, substance use, improper use and disposal of sharps and needles, use of contaminated blood for transfusion, mother to child transmission, scarification among others.
“The government needs to implement policies and guidelines for the control of Hepatitis. The control measures should be well-funded at all levels.
“Awareness through health education and sensitisation of citizens need to be increased at all levels of government. There is a need for improved awareness on preventive measures to drive behavioural change among Nigerians.”
Akande stressed that the implementation of control programmes targeting the disease is heavily donor-dependent, insisting that the government should aim at improving funding for the control programmes.
“Nigerians should change risky sexual behaviours, and ensure blood donors are well screened. Nigerians should also ensure they take advantage of screening for the infection for early detection and treatment,” he added.
To prevent and eliminate hepatitis-related deaths, simplified care services for viral hepatitis can be implemented.
This involves ensuring that all pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B receive treatment, and their babies receive hepatitis B birth vaccines to prevent infection.
Furthermore, it is crucial that at least 90% of individuals living with hepatitis B and/or C are diagnosed, and of those diagnosed, 80% are either cured of hepatitis C or treated for hepatitis B according to the latest expanded eligibility criteria.
