By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis through a statewide free screening and Hepatitis B vaccination campaign aimed at improving early detection, treatment and prevention of liver-related diseases.
Speaking during the 2026 World Hepatitis Day commemoration held at Ikorodu General Hospital on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, said the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce hepatitis-related deaths and increase access to healthcare services.
Fisher explained that many people living with hepatitis are unaware of their status, making early testing and vaccination critical. He added that the state had intensified awareness campaigns through radio, television and community outreach programmes in areas including Ikorodu, Isolo and Agege.
According to him, residents who tested negative for Hepatitis B received free vaccination, while those who tested positive were referred to specialist centres for further evaluation and treatment.
“Our major message is prevention. Everyone needs to know their hepatitis status because early detection helps prevent complications,” Fisher said, noting that Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, while Hepatitis C can be cured with proper treatment.
He advised residents receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine to complete the required three-dose schedule, with the second dose taken one month after the first and the final dose six months after starting the vaccination process.
Fisher disclosed that the state had increased funding for hepatitis prevention programmes and recently vaccinated about 5,000 healthcare workers due to their higher exposure risk. He added that partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental organisations had supported free screening and vaccination initiatives.
He listed treatment centres for hepatitis patients to include the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Federal Medical Centre, Surulere General Hospital, Gbagada General Hospital, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, and other specialist facilities.
The health official warned that untreated Hepatitis B could lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, urging residents to avoid risky practices such as sharing sharp objects, using unsterilised instruments and engaging in unsafe sexual activities.
Consultant Public Health Physician at Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Yetunde Odusolu, described hepatitis as a major public health challenge, noting that Hepatitis B and C often remain undetected for years before causing severe liver damage.
She encouraged residents to take advantage of free screening and vaccination opportunities, describing early diagnosis as key to effective management.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Hepatitis Access Limited, Dr. Husain Abdulrazaq, said low awareness remains a major barrier to hepatitis elimination, stressing that testing is the only reliable way for individuals to know their status.
He urged people who test positive not to lose hope, explaining that hepatitis can be effectively managed when detected early and treated properly.
Project Manager of Blessed Medical Aid Foundation, Miss Ajagunna Adedolapo, said the partnership with the Lagos State Ministry would improve community outreach and strengthen follow-up support for beneficiaries.
She revealed that the foundation had already screened about 180 residents before the event and expected more than 200 people to benefit from the exercise, with positive cases linked to treatment services and negative cases enrolled for vaccination.
Beneficiaries praised the initiative, describing the screening and vaccination process as professional and accessible. They urged more residents to participate in the programme to know their hepatitis status and protect themselves from preventable health complications.
