Hepatitis: 20m Nigerians living with virus, risk liver cancer
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Project Pink Blue Africa, a public health advocacy organisation, has predicted that about 20 million Nigerians who are living with hepatitis virus might soon come down with liver cancer with concerns that the health care system in Nigeria might be overwhelmed.
The alarm was raised in Abuja, during a community outreach and engagement to commemorate the 2024 World Hepatitis Day.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Project Pink Blue Africa, Runcie Chidebe, said: “At the moment, an estimated 20 million Nigerians live with hepatitis B, C, or both, and more than 80 percent of these people do not know their status.
“Poor access to information, vaccines, and screening services are some of the challenges contributing to this poor outlook. But with Hepatitis B vaccination, awareness, and screenings, we can lower the risk of developing liver cancer.”
He disclosed that the organisation in collaboration with some other health advocacy organisations, notably, Health & Psychological Trust Centre, and Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, have launched a campaign entitled “Choke Liver Cancer” that targets 200,000 Nigerians in different rural communities with Hepatitis B virus and liver cancer services.
He explained that the campaign is aimed at saving lives and improving health outcomes in Nigeria. “Hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cancer which is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in Nigeria. Data from the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC) indicated that in 2022, 4,382 Nigerians were diagnosed with liver cancer. While 4,252 people died of the disease, only 130 diagnosed with liver cancer survived.
Osayi Alile, CEO, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, in his remarks, noted that the subject of cancer is a global concern, and while a number of cancers are being spotlighted daily, some are not well spoken about.
