Lagos Govt expands free hepatitis screening

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The Lagos State Government on Tuesday intensified efforts to combat viral hepatitis through free screening, vaccination and awareness campaigns across Ikorodu, Isolo and Ajeromi.

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The initiative, marking the 2026 World Hepatitis Day, offered residents free Hepatitis B and C screening, counselling, vaccination and referral for treatment at General Hospital, Ikorodu.

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Dr Oladipupo Fisher, State AIDS Programme Coordinator, said the campaign aimed to increase awareness and encourage residents to know their hepatitis status.

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He described viral hepatitis as one of the deadliest infectious diseases, stressing that poor public awareness remained a major obstacle to prevention and treatment.

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“World Hepatitis Day is commemorated every July 28 to call for action towards reducing viral hepatitis and creating awareness about the disease.

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“Hepatitis is one of the highest causes of death among infectious diseases, and because of the low level of awareness, the ministry is educating residents,” he said.

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Fisher said the ministry was broadcasting awareness jingles on Traffic Radio and Lagos Television while using digital and social media platforms to reach younger audiences.

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He said free Hepatitis B and C testing was ongoing in Ikorodu, Isolo and Ajeromi, with residents testing negative for Hepatitis B receiving free vaccination.

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According to him, beneficiaries must complete three vaccine doses to achieve full protection against Hepatitis B infection.

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“When they get the first dose, they should return after one month for the second dose and six months after the first dose.

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“Whoever does not complete the three doses is not fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B,” Fisher said.

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He said Lagos planned to vaccinate 200 eligible residents in Ikorodu, while similar exercises were simultaneously taking place in Isolo and Ajeromi.

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“Residents testing positive would be referred to designated facilities where gastroenterologists would manage their condition.

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“The earlier they start treatment, the better, so that the disease does not progress to liver cancer,” Fisher said.

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He disclosed that Lagos had trained 28 health facilities to provide viral hepatitis services, including Isolo General Hospital, Gbagada General Hospital and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

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Fisher noted that although Hepatitis C was curable, treatment remained expensive, making prevention, vaccination and early diagnosis essential.

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He said the state had increased funding for hepatitis testing and vaccination and had already vaccinated 5,000 healthcare workers because of occupational exposure risks.

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Fisher acknowledged support from development partners and pharmaceutical companies, including Emzor and Abbott, for providing vaccines and testing kits.

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“Government alone cannot provide everything for everyone, which is why we are collaborating with NGOs and pharmaceutical companies,” he said.

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Also speaking, Mr Akinoladapo Olamilekan, Coordinator of the Ikorodu Centre of Blessed Medical Aid Foundation, described the outreach as a community health intervention.

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“The essence of this programme is to give back to the community and ensure that we are building a healthier world for everyone,” Olamilekan said.

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He said the foundation would vaccinate 200 residents in Ikorodu and 500 across Lagos as part of the campaign.

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Olamilekan added that the wider outreach targeted 2,500 beneficiaries across Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and the Federal Capital Territory.

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He said residents testing positive would be referred to government hospitals where treatment could be accessed at subsidised rates.

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Olamilekan announced that a symposium involving artisans, transport workers, teachers and community representatives would hold on Aug. 4 to deepen public awareness.

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“My message to the public is simple: get tested, get vaccinated and get treated. That is the only way we can protect ourselves,” he said.

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Some beneficiaries praised the government and its partners for bringing free hepatitis services closer to communities.

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Mrs Ololade Halima said the programme enabled her to know her hepatitis status without financial burden.

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“I am grateful to the government and the NGOs. Many people would not have gone to hospital because of the cost,” she said.

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Mrs Enitan Idowu described the exercise as timely and urged residents to complete all vaccine doses after testing.

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The event was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Blessed Medical Aid Foundation, Damien Foundation and other health partners.

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This year’s World Hepatitis Day theme is: ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.’

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