By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna
The Niger State Government has raised concerns over the growing burden of viral hepatitis in the state, revealing that 7.5 per cent of more than 20,000 people tested for Hepatitis B within one year were confirmed positive.
The government said the figures underscore the need for intensified public awareness, early detection, and access to treatment to curb the spread of the disease.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Minna as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day. He noted that hepatitis remains both preventable and treatable, but ignorance about the disease continues to fuel its transmission.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam, the commissioner said the state was collaborating with the Federal Government and development partners to provide free HIV and viral hepatitis screening services for pregnant women as part of efforts to eliminate HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C.
“Too many people are still unaware of hepatitis, and this ignorance fuels its spread. Awareness is everyone’s responsibility. We must spread the message, not the virus,” he said.
Bagana revealed that between July 2025 and June 2026, over 20,000 residents were screened for Hepatitis B, with a positivity rate of 7.5 per cent, while 18,600 people were tested for Hepatitis C, recording a 5.4 per cent positivity rate.
He further disclosed that among pregnant women, 3.2 per cent tested positive for Hepatitis B, while 2.3 per cent were positive for Hepatitis C, describing the figures as alarming and a clear indication that urgent intervention is required.
“The burden is high, and urgent action is needed. The Niger State Government remains committed to ensuring access to prevention, screening, and treatment services across all the 25 local government areas,” he stated.
As part of this year’s commemoration, the commissioner announced that free Hepatitis B and C screening would be conducted in Minna, Kontagora, Bida, and Suleja to encourage residents to know their status and seek early treatment where necessary.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, said the state government had intensified efforts to ensure that individuals who test positive receive free treatment, adding that arrangements had already been made to procure essential drugs for patients.
Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and various Civil Society Organisations also urged residents to take advantage of the free screening exercise, stressed that early diagnosis remained the most effective strategy for preventing complications and reducing the spread of the disease.
