Hepatitis is not a death sentence. Justina Adeyemi, a graduate nurse and Assistant Manager of Medical and Quality Assurance at Ultimate Health Management Services, has reassured Nigerians. She gave this message during an awareness programme organized by the health insurance company to mark World Hepatitis Day 2025, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, Adeyemi encouraged citizens to undergo screening to prevent transmission. She stressed that early detection and proper treatment allow patients to live longer, healthier lives.
“Hepatitis is not a death sentence. Anyone who tests positive can begin medication and still live well,” Adeyemi stated.
Adding to this, Daniel Abdul, Head of the Medical and Quality Assurance Unit, explained that Hepatitis B is highly preventable. He recommended frequent hand washing, immunization, and avoiding the sharing of sharp objects as critical measures. Abdul also advised pregnant women to undergo screening to prevent mother‑to‑child transmission, which remains a significant risk factor.
World Hepatitis Day, observed every July 28, aims to raise awareness about this viral disease that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and death if untreated. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the 2025 campaign theme focuses on breaking financial, social, and systemic barriers to prevention and treatment.
WHO emphasizes that chronic Hepatitis B and C silently damage the liver, even though both are preventable and treatable, with C fully curable. The organization calls for expanded testing, vaccinations, safe injections, harm reduction strategies, and accessible treatments integrated into national health systems.
This year’s initiative reinforces the urgent need to act now, expand services, and achieve global elimination of the disease by 2030.
