While the world continues to battle infectious diseases like malaria, HIV, and COVID-19, another silent killer is spreading across Africa — Hepatitis B. Often overlooked, this highly infectious liver disease is claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. In Africa, and especially in Nigeria, the numbers are alarming.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 254 million people worldwide live with chronic Hepatitis B. A staggering 64.8 million of them are in Africa, with Nigeria among the hardest-hit countries.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. It’s spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Common transmission methods include:
-
Mother-to-child during childbirth
-
Unprotected sex
-
Sharing needles or sharp instruments
-
Blood transfusions from unscreened donors
Unlike HIV, Hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more infectious, yet it remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed in many communities.
Why is Hepatitis B So Rampant in Africa?
There are several reasons why the virus is spreading fast across the continent:
1. Low Vaccination Coverage
Although a safe and effective vaccine has been available since 1982, only 18% of newborns in the WHO African Region receive the birth-dose vaccine needed to protect them from mother-to-child transmission — one of the most common infection routes.
2. Lack of Awareness
Most people infected with Hepatitis B don’t know they have it because the disease can be silent for years. By the time symptoms appear, serious liver damage may have already occurred.
3. Poor Access to Testing and Treatment
Many African countries lack widespread screening programs or affordable diagnostic tools. Even when people are diagnosed, antiviral medications are often out of reach for the average citizen due to cost and limited availability.
4. Stigma and Cultural Beliefs
In some parts of Africa, having Hepatitis B is seen as a curse or shameful condition. This stigma can discourage people from seeking help or getting tested.
The Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the highest Hepatitis B prevalence rates in the world — with an estimated 8.1% of the population chronically infected. That’s roughly 16 million people at risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
In 2022 alone:
-
Nigeria recorded over 200,000 new infections
-
Thousands of lives were lost due to lack of diagnosis and treatment
-
Less than 10% of infected individuals were aware of their status
These numbers make Nigeria a priority country for global Hepatitis B intervention.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Though many live with Hepatitis B without symptoms, when they do appear, they may include:
-
Fatigue
-
Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
-
Abdominal pain
-
Dark urine
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Loss of appetite
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs — especially with a history of exposure — get tested immediately.
What Can Be Done?
1. Increase Awareness
Public health campaigns must educate Nigerians on the dangers of Hepatitis B, how it spreads, and the importance of early testing.
2. Expand Vaccination
The Nigerian government must ensure that birth-dose vaccines are available and administered within 24 hours of birth. Adults should also receive the 3-dose vaccination series, especially if they are at high risk.
3. Make Testing Accessible
Routine Hepatitis B screening should be integrated into community health outreach programs, antenatal care, and blood donation centers.
4. Improve Access to Treatment
WHO recommends lifelong antiviral treatment for those with chronic Hepatitis B. Nigeria must work to reduce the cost and increase availability of these medications.
What You Can Do
-
Get tested — Hepatitis B testing is fast and simple.
-
Get vaccinated — If you haven’t been vaccinated, it’s not too late.
-
Practice safe health habits — Use protection, avoid sharing sharp items, and ensure all blood products are screened.
-
Encourage others — Talk to your friends, family, and community.
Final Word from Daily4mative
The Hepatitis B epidemic is a ticking time bomb in Africa — but it doesn’t have to be. With proper awareness, testing, and treatment, it is entirely preventable and manageable.
At Daily4mative, we believe knowledge saves lives. Let’s break the silence around Hepatitis B and push for a future where no Nigerian dies from a disease we have the tools to stop.
Stay updated on health matters that affect you. Subscribe to Daily4mative’s health newsletter and follow us on social media.
Have questions or want to share your story? Email us at health@daily4mative.com or comment below.
