Stakeholders at the dissemination meeting on the outcome of the 2026 World Hepatitis Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, have called for urgent expansion of hepatitis B and C treatment services, as well as wider coverage of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, to enable Nigeria meet the 2030 global hepatitis elimination targets.
The targets, outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) under its Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, aim to reduce hepatitis incidence by 95 per cent and hepatitis-related deaths by 65 per cent by 2030 through a drastic reduction in new hepatitis B and C infections.
The strategy also seeks to ensure that 90 per cent of people living with hepatitis B and C are diagnosed, while 80 per cent of eligible patients receive treatment.
The dissemination meeting, organised by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID) in Jalingo, Taraba State, at the weekend, brought together stakeholders from the health sector, academia and professional associations.
Representatives of the Taraba State Ministry of Health commended CFID for its public health interventions across the state, noting that the organisation’s awareness campaigns and support programmes had helped many residents become aware of their hepatitis status.
The ministry’s representative praised the organisation’s contributions to healthcare delivery in Taraba and urged stakeholders as well as development partners to continue supporting efforts aimed at combating hepatitis in the state.
A representative of the WHO stressed the dangers posed by hepatitis and emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the global elimination target by 2030.
The WHO official also lauded CFID for its commitment to reducing the prevalence of hepatitis in Taraba State and highlighted the importance of updating healthcare professionals on the latest global hepatitis report and treatment guidelines.
Representatives of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Taraba State University and Muwanshat College of Health and Technology pledged to intensify awareness campaigns within their institutions and work closely with CFID to encourage more residents to undergo hepatitis testing and treatment.
Similarly, the Taraba State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) stressed the need to circulate the latest global hepatitis report across health facilities in the state to equip medical practitioners with current data and treatment approaches.
The association noted that improved access to updated information would help address the growing burden of hepatitis and strengthen response efforts.
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regular hepatitis testing and counselling to enable more people know their status.
