Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, announced that the state has a hepatitis B prevalence of 13.9 percent and hepatitis C prevalence of 6.8 percent.
Ba’amlong made this statement on Tuesday in Jos during a symposium commemorating the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
He noted that studies across the state also indicated a prevalence of 9.2 percent among pregnant women.
He further stated that data from the hepatology unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in 2025 showed that the unit had managed over 600 patients with chronic hepatitis B and more than 50 cases of hepatitis B-related liver cancers.
The commissioner described viral hepatitis as a major public health concern, emphasizing that many infected individuals are unaware of their status until complications arise.
He stressed the importance of increased awareness, screening, vaccination, and treatment to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis.
Ba’amlong revealed that the state government has intensified efforts to improve access to hepatitis screening, vaccination, and treatment through public health facilities.
He urged residents, especially pregnant women, healthcare workers, and other high-risk groups, to take advantage of available screening and vaccination services.
He also called on community leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to support awareness campaigns aimed at eliminating stigma and encouraging early diagnosis.
The commissioner emphasized that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other complications associated with hepatitis.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and expanding access to quality healthcare services to achieve the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Prof. Duguru John, a consultant Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist who delivered the keynote address, explained that transmission is usually through unscreened blood transfusions, unprotected sex, and from infected mothers to their unborn children during birth.
John also highlighted that sharing unsterilized sharp objects is another mode of transmission.
She urged people to get vaccinated, use sterile instruments, practice safe sex, and ensure blood is screened before transfusion.
It was noted that World Hepatitis Day, with the theme “Let’s Break it Down,” is observed annually on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and promote actions to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.
