Hepatitis epidemic: Experts seek more awareness, collaborations

The Network Lead, Anglo West Africa at Roche Diagnostics, Roberto Taboada, has called for a joint effort from the public and private sectors and also active participation from local communities and funding organisations to address the hepatitis epidemic in Nigeria.

Taboada, who made the call in his paper titled: “Nigeria’s Lesser-Known Epidemic: How Viral Hepatitis Flew Under the Radar”, referred to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report which showed that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with one-third of the global hepatitis burden.

The health expert urged the government to liaise with the private sector and healthcare providers to engage in practical steps such as innovative funding approaches, enhancing diagnostic laboratory infrastructure as well as prioritising access to testing and care for all Nigerian patients and those in remote areas.

Tribune Online reports that according to the WHO estimates, Nigeria has more than 20 million people living with hepatitis B, C or both but more than 80 percent of the people who have the disease do not know their status. At least, 3,500 people globally die everyday from hepatitis B and C infections, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region accounts for 63 per cent of new hepatitis B infections.

Taboada said the figures showed a disturbing and severe health problem that has exceeded the combined mortality of HIV, Tuberculosis and malaria. He said by giving due to hepatitis as a public health issue, Nigeria can reduce the alarming mortality and morbidity rates associated with the disease.

He however called for enhanced awareness, robust education initiatives, and improved healthcare infrastructure which he said are key to moving closer to achieving WHO’s 2030 targets of diagnosing 90 per cent of individuals with hepatitis and treating 80 per cent of those diagnosed.

Also, a public health expert and past president, the World Hepatitis Alliance, Dr Danjuma Adda, said the fight against hepatitis is hampered by the lack of continuous medical education among healthcare professionals, particularly in the area of diagnosis.

He said continuous medical education for healthcare professionals is essential to ensure that those at the first point of contact with patients are up-to-date with the latest guidelines and treatments.