Often overlooked in public discourse, viral hepatitis remains a profound global health threat with far-reaching consequences. Beyond its immediate health impact, it continues to burden healthcare systems and economies, even though it is largely preventable, treatable, and in some cases curable. Yet, as highlighted, hepatitis still receives limited attention relative to its severity.

A major challenge lies in the nature of the disease itself. Hepatitis B and C—the primary contributors to the global burden—can progress silently for years. Many individuals live with the infection unknowingly until serious complications emerge. As noted, “many people are unaware of their status until complications develop, and this delay leads to greater morbidity and mortality.” Chronic infections from these viruses account for a substantial proportion of liver disease and liver cancer cases worldwide.

Nigeria’s Epidemiological Reality

In Nigeria, the burden is particularly significant. Hepatitis B prevalence is estimated between 8–12%, while hepatitis C affects about 1–2% of the population. These figures underscore a major public health challenge, with millions potentially at risk of long-term complications.

The link between hepatitis and cancer is firmly established. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are the leading causes of liver cancer globally, making hepatitis control an essential component of cancer prevention strategies. Addressing hepatitis through early detection and improved access to treatment is therefore critical.

Gaps in Awareness, Access, and Care

Despite available solutions, progress has been hindered by several systemic and social barriers. A large proportion of people living with chronic hepatitis remain undiagnosed or are not linked to care. Contributing factors include low public awareness, limited screening services, high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and persistent gaps in service delivery.

Prevention efforts also face challenges. Although hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable, coverage—especially for the birth dose—remains low. This leaves many newborns vulnerable to infection from the outset.

Stigma continues to complicate the response. The disease is often associated with transmission routes such as drug use and sexual contact, which can conflict with cultural and social norms in many communities. This discourages testing and treatment, further deepening the crisis.

Global Action and Strategic Collaboration

Momentum is building at the international level to address these challenges. The World Hepatitis Summit 2026, currently drawing global attention, serves as a critical platform for strengthening coordinated action. It brings together government leaders, clinicians, researchers, civil society organisations, and affected communities—all recognising that elimination requires a unified, multi-stakeholder approach.

Key organisations, including the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the World Hepatitis Alliance, are actively involved. Their collaboration reflects a growing recognition that integrating hepatitis and cancer initiatives can accelerate progress.

Engagements linked to the United Nations General Assembly have also emphasised the importance of integration, improved access, and global coordination in tackling hepatitis effectively.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Response

At the national level, there are promising opportunities to scale up interventions. Engagements with key stakeholders, including Danjuma Adda and Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, have focused on expanding health insurance coverage and advancing clinical trials.

Integrating hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment into NHIA benefit packages could significantly improve access. At the same time, increased investment in clinical trials would enhance treatment options and generate locally relevant data to inform policy.

Critical priorities include expanding screening services, improving linkage to care, scaling up hepatitis B vaccination—particularly the birth dose—and strengthening public awareness campaigns.

The Role of Equity and Community Engagement

Despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment tools, access remains uneven. Many people are still excluded from care due to financial, geographic, and social barriers. Addressing these inequities is essential for meaningful progress.

As emphasised by Danjuma Adda, “Hepatitis elimination cannot happen while millions remain undiagnosed, untreated, and excluded from care.” This statement captures the urgency of closing existing gaps and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Moving Forward

The tools to eliminate hepatitis already exist. The challenge now is ensuring they are accessible, affordable, and widely implemented. Stronger collaboration between hepatitis and cancer communities will be key to driving effective interventions and improving outcomes.

The World Hepatitis Summit 2026—held from April 28–30—has convened stakeholders capable of advancing this agenda. It represents not just a meeting of experts, but a call to action for governments, organisations, and communities worldwide.

The path to elimination is clear. What remains is the collective will to act decisively and at scale.

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, Founder and CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn: