A Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Ilorin and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Abdulfatai Olokoba, has urged the Federal Government to invest in local vaccine production and expand nationwide hepatitis screening to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis in Nigeria.
Olokoba, who is also the President of the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) and Chairman of the Kwara State Technical Working Group on the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis, made the call on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He said local vaccine production would improve access, reduce costs, lessen Nigeria’s dependence on imports and strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly hepatitis B.
According to him, achieving the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat will require sustained investment in preventive healthcare, including vaccination, routine screening and public awareness.
“Nigeria should prioritise the local production of vaccines. It will improve availability, reduce costs and ensure more Nigerians have access to life-saving vaccines,” he said.
Olokoba described viral hepatitis as a major global public health challenge, noting that the disease continues to claim lives despite being largely preventable and, in many cases, treatable.
He explained that this year’s World Hepatitis Day activities in Kwara State featured free screening for hepatitis B and C at the Emir’s Palace and First Eye Medical Centre in Ilorin to encourage residents to know their hepatitis status.
The hepatologist explained that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, adding that hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous forms because they can persist for years and eventually lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
He warned that hepatitis B is significantly more infectious than HIV, stressing the need for greater public awareness and stronger preventive measures.
“Hepatitis B is about 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. Even a dried drop of infected blood can remain infectious for weeks,” he said.
Olokoba identified the major routes of transmission as contact with infected blood, unprotected sexual intercourse, transfusion of contaminated blood and the use of unsterilised sharp instruments.
He also warned against unsafe traditional practices such as scarification, tribal marks, tattooing, local circumcision, body piercing and other procedures carried out with improperly sterilised instruments.
Describing hepatitis B as a “silent killer”, he said many infected people remain symptom-free for years while the virus silently damages the liver.
According to him, many patients only present at hospitals after developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, thereby reducing their chances of successful treatment.
He advised Nigerians experiencing recurrent fever, persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness not to assume they have malaria or typhoid without proper medical evaluation.
“It is not normal for an adult to be treating malaria every month. Recurrent fever and persistent tiredness should be properly investigated because they may be signs of hepatitis or another underlying illness,” he said.
Olokoba urged Nigerians to take advantage of affordable hepatitis screening services to know their status, stressing that early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent further transmission.
He added that spouses and family members of infected persons should also be screened, while those who test negative for hepatitis B should receive vaccination for protection.
Speaking on the activities of SOGHIN, the professor said the association collaborates with governments at all levels, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, and development partners to promote awareness of liver diseases, improve early diagnosis and advocate better policies for prevention and treatment.
He also cautioned against the misconception that obesity is a sign of good living, noting that excessive body fat accumulates around vital organs, including the liver, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease and other serious health complications.
“Our society remains committed to advocacy, training healthcare professionals and working with government and other stakeholders to improve liver health. Prevention through vaccination, early screening and healthy lifestyles remains our most effective weapon against hepatitis,” he said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
