World Hepatitis Day: Ogun govt offers free screening, subsidised vaccination

The Ogun State Government will be offering free hepatitis screening and subsidised vaccination to residents who test negative, across the six state hospitals in the state.

The hospitals are located in Ijaiye, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro, Ota, Isara, and Ifo.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, at a press conference held on Monday in Abeokuta, said the gesture was in commemoration of the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”.

She hinted that the state plans to screen no fewer than 200,000 residents by 2026, and equally expand hepatitis screening and vaccination services across specific facilities in all three senatorial districts.

Coker informed that the state has achieved at least 95 per cent Hepatitis B birth-dose coverage across all Primary Health Centres.

The Commissioner lamented that 50 per cent of those infected with Hepatitis B or C do not exhibit any symptoms, thereby making early identification challenging.

“Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by chemicals, bacteria, or viruses and can be spread through sexual contact, from mother to child during childbirth, and the use of contaminated sharp objects.

“There are five main types of hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D, and E. Of these, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most dangerous, due to their severe consequences and widespread transmission.

“Unfortunately, up to 50% of people infected with Hepatitis B or C show no symptoms, making early detection difficult. For those who develop symptoms, these may include yellowness of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, dark urine, and loss of appetite.

“Just like HIV, it’s not written on people’s faces; we have to take responsibility. We have to be extra aware by testing, go out there and get tested. However, if you test negative and want to get vaccinated, it is subsidised,” she said.

The Commissioner, therefore, urged that all infants, children and adolescents under 19 years who missed vaccination in infancy, healthcare workers—particularly surgeons, people with multiple sexual partners, and pregnant women—should get immunised.

While adding that the Ministry would also launch the Ogun State Hepatitis Data Dashboard to improve accountability and track its progress.

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