World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Nigeria among countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024 as the disease continues to pose a major public health challenge worldwide. According to the latest report, viral hepatitis B and C accounted for 1.34 million deaths, while more than 4,900 new infections occur daily, translating to about 1.8 million annually.
Notably, WHO revealed that ten countries, including Nigeria, accounted for 69 per cent of hepatitis B deaths globally in 2024, highlighting uneven disease burden. Similarly, hepatitis C-related deaths were spread across regions, with Nigeria also listed among countries responsible for 58 per cent of global cases.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Global Hepatitis Report showed progress since 2015, including a 32 per cent decline in hepatitis B infections and a 12 per cent reduction in hepatitis C deaths. However, despite these gains, treatment gaps remain significant, as less than five per cent of hepatitis B patients receive care, while only about 20 per cent of hepatitis C patients have been treated.
Consequently, liver cirrhosis and cancer remain leading causes of death, with over 1.1 million deaths from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C recorded in 2024. WHO emphasized that elimination is achievable through sustained political commitment, expanded vaccination, wider testing, and improved access to effective treatment across countries.
Experts note that stronger investment and coordinated global action are essential to meet the 2030 hepatitis elimination targets. Countries like Egypt, Rwanda, Georgia, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that elimination is possible with commitment.
