Stakeholders Warn High Diagnosis, Treatment Costs Hamper Nigeria’s Hepatitis Fight

Stakeholders warn high diagnosis, treatment costs hamper Nigeria’s hepatitis fight Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have raised concerns that the high cost of diagnosing and treating viral hepatitis is undermining efforts to eliminate the disease, warning that more than 80 per cent of infected Nigerians remain unaware of their status and are at risk of severe liver complications.The experts said Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest hepatitis burdens globally, with an estimated 20 million people living with hepatitis B or C. They noted that the majority of infections remain undiagnosed due to poor awareness, limited access to testing, and the prohibitive cost of healthcare services. According to health professionals, untreated hepatitis can progress silently to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer, making early diagnosis and treatment critical to reducing deaths and achieving the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Medical experts explained that although initial screening for hepatitis may cost only a few thousand naira, patients who test positive are required to undergo additional investigations, including viral load testing, liver function tests, ultrasound scans, and other laboratory assessments. These investigations can cost between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000 before treatment even begins. Treatment costs also remain beyond the reach of many Nigerians. Experts said a month’s supply of Tenofovir, commonly used for hepatitis B, costs about ₦18,000, while a complete three-month curative treatment for hepatitis C may exceed ₦500,000, excluding diagnostic expenses. The stakeholders also expressed concern over the shortage of liver specialists and the concentration of treatment facilities in urban tertiary hospitals, leaving many rural communities without access to specialised care. They called on the Federal Government to establish a dedicated budget for hepatitis control, expand free screening and vaccination programmes, subsidise treatment, and integrate hepatitis services into existing HIV/AIDS healthcare programmes to improve access and reduce costs. The experts further stressed the need for increased public awareness, noting that hepatitis often shows no symptoms until irreversible liver damage has occurred. They urged Nigerians to undergo routine screening, receive recommended vaccinations, and seek early medical attention to prevent complications.