The Federal Government has rolled out Project 365, a year-long national campaign aimed at eradicating hepatitis in Nigeria by 2030, citing annual economic losses estimated between ₦10.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion from the disease.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja during the observance of World Hepatitis Day 2025, themed “Hepatitis Can’t Wait – Test. Treat. Eliminate.”
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is commonly triggered by viral infections, particularly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. It can also arise from alcohol misuse, toxins, certain medications, or autoimmune conditions. Types B and C, if untreated, can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Represented by Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health, Pate said Project 365 would prioritise mass testing, treatment, and vaccination nationwide. He disclosed that 18.2 million Nigerians are living with hepatitis B, while 2.5 million have hepatitis C.
He explained that the silent nature of the illness, frequently mistaken for malaria, delays diagnosis and contributes to high fatality rates.
Pate added that a Viral Elimination Fund (VEL) had been established to finance testing and treatment, broaden access to affordable care, and curb transmission. Pilot programmes have already commenced in three correctional centres in Gombe State, with support from Abbott and other partners to reach underserved populations.
“Free hepatitis testing was also launched at the National Assembly to encourage lawmakers and staff to get tested and support legislative funding for hepatitis elimination.
“Project 365 reforms include tax incentives and regulatory measures to enhance domestic pharmaceutical production of hepatitis diagnostics and drugs, reducing dependence on imports.
“The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Sector Strategy, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to international health standards,” Pate said.
Former Head of State and Nigeria’s Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis, Gen Yakubu Gowon, through a message delivered by Mr Adeyeye Ajayi of the Gowon Foundation, called on Nigerians to work collectively against the disease. He commended the Ministry of Health, WHO, healthcare professionals, and partners for their roles, urging increased public awareness to dispel stigma and misinformation.
Dr Titilola Munkail, National Coordinator of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC), represented by Dr Oluyinka Olayemi, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s leadership in tackling hepatitis and other health threats, reaffirming Africa CDC’s support.
Dr Mya Ngon, WHO Team Lead for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, praised Nigeria’s efforts and pledged continued collaboration through expanded testing, vaccination, and treatment. She acknowledged persistent challenges but noted progress in reducing treatment costs, advancing local drug production, and integrating hepatitis control into broader health programmes.
Dr Ibrahim Ehizogie, representing the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the Service’s commitment to fighting hepatitis within custodial facilities. He revealed that a screening initiative launched in December 2024 had tested 830 inmates at Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre by June 2025.
“The programme is being scaled across all six geopolitical zones, with plans to cover all 300 correctional centres nationwide. Without including these facilities, eradication efforts cannot succeed due to high infection risks,” he stressed.
Dr Adebola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), described Project 365 as a community-driven initiative to detect and treat hepatitis B and C cases while expanding vaccination.
“Supported by the National Assembly, the campaign will run daily for one year, reaching all 360 constituencies with mass screening, treatment, and vaccination,” Bashorun said.
He reported that the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Nigeria stands at 8.4 per cent, with hepatitis B at 8.1 per cent and hepatitis C at 1.21 per cent, affecting over 21 million Nigerians.
“Those diagnosed with hepatitis C will receive curative treatment, while individuals testing negative for hepatitis B will be vaccinated. This is just Day One. We will sustain this momentum until the next World Hepatitis Day,” he said.
Bashorun also addressed co-infections, noting that 1.21 per cent of Nigerians living with HIV also have hepatitis B, necessitating integrated care.
On funding, he explained that the World Hepatitis Fund would be merged into a broader financing pool under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) overseen by the Health Ministry, drawing from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for flexible, scalable interventions.
The Federal Government restated its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service to expand hepatitis screening and treatment across custodial centres nationwide.
