By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As part of measures to check spread of Hepatitis virus, Niger state government has called for an aggressive awareness to educate the general public on the signs and symptoms of the disease as current figure of positive cases indicates higher than envisaged.
Out of 20, 000 people that were tested for hepatitis B in the state, 7.5% tested positive and as a result of this, Niger state government said it is collaborating with federal government and development partners to provide free HIV and viral hepatitis testing services for pregnant women to advance triple elimination of; HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C.
Addressing journalists as part of activities to mark the year 2026 World Hepatitis Day in Minna on Tuesday, state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana however said there's no cause for alarm as the viruses are preventable and treatable.
“Too many people are still unaware of hepatitis, and this ignorance fuels its spread. Awareness should be everyone’s responsibility, we must spread the message to educate the people on the diseases and not the virus alone".
Bagana who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam said, “Between July 2025 and June 2026, over 20,000 people in parts of Niger state were tested for hepatitis B with 7.5% positivity; for Hepatitis C, 18,600 persons were tested with 5.4% positivity".
“Among pregnant women, 3.2% tested positive for Hepatitis B and 2.3% for Hepatitis C. These figures show the burden is high and urgent action is needed.”
Niger state, he said is committed to ensuring easy access to prevention, screening and treatment of the diseases across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Other activities lined up for this year's commemoration World Hepatitis day, according to the Commissioner is free viral hepatitis B and C screening in Minna, the state capital, Kontagora, Bida and Suleja.
The Director Public Health, Dr. Ibrahim Idris had earlier expressed preparedness of the state government to ensure that those who tested positive to the virus also get free treatment as arrangements have been made to get drugs for them.
In their various goodwill messages, representatives of; United Nation's International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) called on Nigerlites to take advantage of the free screening to know their status. NNL.
