The First Lady of Anambra State and Founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to embrace hepatitis prevention, regular screening and prompt treatment to reduce the burden of the disease and protect public health.
In a message marking World Hepatitis Day 2026, Dr. Soludo said this year’s global theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” highlights the need to eliminate obstacles preventing people from accessing prevention, testing and treatment services.
She described hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver caused mainly by viral infections, although excessive alcohol intake, certain medications, toxins and other medical conditions can also trigger the disease.
According to her, the major viral strains are Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, with Hepatitis B, C and D posing the greatest risk of long-term complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“Breaking the barriers to prevention, testing and treatment is essential if we are to reduce the impact of viral hepatitis and build healthier communities,” she said.
Dr. Soludo explained that Hepatitis A and E are commonly spread through contaminated food, unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, while Hepatitis B, C and D are transmitted through infected blood, unsafe medical procedures, unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing sharp objects and from mother to child during childbirth.
She noted that hepatitis may present with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and jaundice, but warned that many people infected with chronic Hepatitis B and C remain symptom-free for years.
“Many individuals do not know they are infected until serious complications develop. That is why regular screening and early diagnosis are so important,” she added.
The First Lady encouraged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining good hygiene, consuming safe food and clean water, avoiding the sharing of needles and other sharp objects, insisting on safe medical procedures and seeking medical attention promptly whenever symptoms arise.
She also stressed the importance of Hepatitis B vaccination, routine testing and timely treatment, describing them as vital tools in preventing severe liver disease and reducing hepatitis-related deaths.
Dr. Soludo further called for stronger collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, communities and development partners to combat stigma, improve awareness and expand access to quality hepatitis services.
Also commemorating the day, the Anambra State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (SASCP) renewed its commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ben Afam Obidike, the State Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme, urged residents to become more informed about hepatitis and take advantage of available screening and vaccination services.
“By working together, we can remove the barriers driving hepatitis transmission and move closer to eliminating the disease in Anambra State,” he said.
He encouraged residents who test positive to seek immediate medical care while advising eligible individuals to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine for protection.
The State Hepatitis Desk Officer, Mr. Ikechukwu Abadom, said many infected persons remain unaware of their status because the disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms.
“Testing remains the only reliable way to know your hepatitis status and begin treatment early. Early detection saves lives,” Abadom said.
He disclosed that the state government continues to provide hepatitis testing kits for pregnant women and called for expanded screening services to ensure more residents have access to early diagnosis and appropriate care.
