Hepatitis is one of Nigeria’s most overlooked public health crises.
More than 20 million Nigerians live with hepatitis B or C, and the country ranks third in the world for hepatitis prevalence, according to the World Health Organisation. Most people don’t know they are infected until the disease has already damaged the liver.
This guide breaks down what hepatitis is, how to recognize it early, and what treatment actually looks like.
What Is hepatitis?
Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. In Nigeria, the most common causes are viral infections, especially hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Hepatitis A and E also occur, usually linked to contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B is still the bigger concern, though newer numbers are a bit lower than older ones. A 2022 national estimate (published 2025) puts prevalence at 5.4%, or about 14.4 million people, while the 2023 NAIIS survey found 8.1%, with 5.7% in the general public. So current estimates run roughly 5–8%, keeping Nigeria classified as high-burden — and HBV caused about 46,000 deaths in 2022. Hepatitis C affects a smaller but still significant share, estimated around 2% to 8% depending on the region.
How hepatitis spreads
- Hepatitis B and C: through blood, unsterilised needles or tattoo equipment, unscreened blood transfusions, and from mother to child during birth. Unprotected sex can also transmit HBV.
- Hepatitis A and E: through contaminated water or food, common where sanitation is poor.
Mother-to-child transmission remains a major driver in Nigeria, largely because many babies still do not receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, as recommended by the WHO.
How to spot hepatitis
Hepatitis is often silent. Many people carry the virus for years without symptoms, while it quietly damages the liver. When symptoms do appear, watch for:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Abdominal pain, especially on the upper right side
- Joint pain
- Mild fever
Because symptoms often show up late, the only reliable way to “spot” hepatitis early is testing, not waiting for signs. A simple blood test can detect hepatitis B (HBsAg test) or hepatitis C (anti-HCV test). These are available at teaching hospitals, NCDC-supported centers, and many private labs across major cities.
Anyone who has had unscreened blood transfusions, multiple sexual partners, shares needles, works in healthcare, or has a family member with hepatitis should get tested, even without symptoms.
How hepatitis is treated
Treatment depends on the type and stage of infection.
- Hepatitis B: Chronic HBV is not usually “cured,” but it can be controlled. Antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir suppress the virus, protect the liver, and reduce the risk of cirrhosis or liver cancer. Regular monitoring with liver function tests and viral load checks is essential. Some people with mild infection may not need medication immediately, just monitoring.
- Hepatitis C: Unlike HBV, hepatitis C is often curable. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs, taken for 8 to 12 weeks, cure more than 95% of cases. Access and cost have historically been barriers in Nigeria, though government and NGO-backed programs have been working to bring prices down.
- Hepatitis A and E: These usually resolve on their own with rest, hydration, and supportive care. Severe cases need hospital monitoring.
Prevention is still the best treatment
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. It is safe, effective, and part of Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule for infants.
- Insist on screened blood before any transfusion.
- Avoid sharing needles, razors, or unsterilised tattoo/piercing tools.
- Practice safe sex.
- Drink clean water and maintain good food hygiene to prevent hepatitis A and E.
- Get tested if you are pregnant, sexually active, or in a high-exposure profession.
Hepatitis is common in Nigeria, but it’s also manageable and, in the case of hepatitis C, often curable. The biggest danger is not the virus itself, but not being aware of your status. Getting tested, especially for hepatitis B and C, is the single most important step anyone can take to protect their liver and catch the disease before it becomes life-threatening.
