Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for urgent and coordinated national action to combat the rising prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections in Nigeria, warning that millions remain unaware of their status.
Dr Soludo, who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, raised the alarm during the 2025 National Hepatitis Summit held in Abuja.
According to a statement released in Awka, she said recent data indicate that an estimated 20 million Nigerians are currently infected with either or both types of the hepatitis virus.
“The fast-rising counts of Hepatitis B and C in Nigeria call for an all-time urgency of action,” she said. “Over 80 percent of those infected do not even know their status. This is largely because many Nigerians know little or absolutely nothing about hepatitis and its deadly impact.”
Dr Soludo stressed that early detection and treatment remain critical. Hepatitis B, she noted, can be managed effectively if identified in its early stages, while Hepatitis C can be cured using antiviral medications when diagnosed promptly.
She also highlighted the importance of public education and vaccination, noting that the hepatitis B vaccine is already part of Nigeria’s routine childhood immunisation schedule and is also available for adults in most health facilities.
“The good news is that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe, accessible and highly effective,” she said. “But if we fail to show commitment through education and strategic advocacy, we risk facing an even bigger health crisis in the near future.”
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The Anambra First Lady joined other states’ First Ladies and health experts at the summit to discuss practical strategies for scaling up hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment across Nigeria.
“Even though we are behind in this journey, we can still make significant progress if we begin now,” she added. “The time is now to push back the ravage of hepatitis in Anambra State and across Nigeria.”
As part of her ongoing Healthy Living campaign, Dr Soludo on Saturday led a “Healthy Living Walk” through communities in Anambra State to promote physical fitness, healthy eating, and disease prevention.
The event, which began at Aroma in Awka, drew government officials, health workers, students, and residents who walked through major streets to encourage lifestyle changes that support wellness.
Speaking after the exercise, Dr. Soludo emphasised that physical fitness and proper nutrition are key preventive measures against chronic diseases, including cardiovascular ailments and metabolic disorders.
“Communities in Anambra are beginning to understand that exercise is medicine,” she said. “Good nutrition and regular physical activity remain our strongest defenses against disease.”