Over 1.2 million people in Nigeria’s Kano State are living with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a preventable yet life-threatening condition, according to health authorities. The announcement came during events marking the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break the Silence,” as officials outlined urgent measures to curb the disease’s spread.
Kano’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, emphasized the gravity of the situation at a press briefing, calling HBV a “major public health threat” with severe consequences if untreated. Left unchecked, he warned, the virus can progress to liver cirrhosis and cancer, underscoring the need for early intervention.
Central to the state’s response is the “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” initiative, launched in February with an initial allocation of N95 million (approximately $200,000 USD). The program prioritizes eliminating mother-to-child transmission, which accounts for up to 80% of HBV cases. Pregnant women receive free screenings and treatment, while newborns are vaccinated immediately after birth. Yusuf stressed that breaking this transmission chain is critical to reducing the disease’s long-term burden.
Kano has also become Nigeria’s first state to independently fund and implement a “Triple Elimination” strategy targeting HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis simultaneously. With the World Health Organization aiming to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the state has proposed an additional N135 million ($283,000 USD) to expand services, procure medical supplies, and scale up testing and awareness campaigns.
The commissioner highlighted the economic and societal toll of untreated hepatitis, noting that proactive measures could prevent thousands of deaths and reduce healthcare costs. While challenges such as funding gaps and public awareness persist, Yusuf expressed confidence in the state’s model, urging other regions to adopt similar strategies.
Health experts have long advocated for integrated approaches to combat vertically transmitted diseases, particularly in regions with high birth rates and limited healthcare access. Kano’s efforts align with global best practices, though reaching the 2030 targets will require sustained investment and cross-border collaboration. For now, the state’s focus remains on safeguarding vulnerable populations—one mother and child at a time.
