29/07/2026
ELIXIR TRUST FOUNDATION DEMANDS STRONGER GOVERNMENT ACTION TO ELIMINATE HEPATITIS IN NIGERIA
July 28, 2026
As the world commemorates World Hepatitis Day 2026, Elixir Trust Foundation has called on the Federal and State Governments to significantly increase funding and strengthen policies aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Nigeria by 2030.
In a statement signed by the Foundation's Executive Director, Emmanuel Ikule, the organization expressed concern that millions of Nigerians living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C remain unaware of their infection, with many only discovering their status after developing life-threatening complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The Foundation noted that although viral hepatitis is largely preventable, treatable, and curable in the case of hepatitis C, Nigeria continues to face major challenges, including low public awareness, inadequate screening services, stigma, poor access to affordable diagnosis and treatment, and weak healthcare infrastructure.
Elixir Trust Foundation urged governments at all levels, development partners, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase investments in hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care.
According to the Foundation, achieving the World Health Organization's target of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 will require stronger political commitment, sustainable domestic financing and coordinated national action.
Among its recommendations, the Foundation called for:
Expansion of free or affordable hepatitis B and C screening services across the country.
Wider availability of hepatitis B vaccines, particularly the birth-dose vaccine for newborns.
Integration of hepatitis services into primary healthcare as well as HIV, tuberculosis, maternal and child health programmes.
Improved access to affordable diagnostic and treatment services, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Stronger disease surveillance systems and improved data collection.
Intensified public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage early testing.
Increased budgetary allocation and timely release of funds for hepatitis programmes at both federal and state levels.
The Foundation also appealed to Nigerians to take responsibility for their health by knowing their hepatitis status through regular testing, getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, seeking prompt medical care when diagnosed, and adopting healthy lifestyles that protect the liver.
As a member of the Civil Society Network on Hepatitis in Nigeria, Elixir Trust Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts through advocacy, community mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and partnerships aimed at expanding access to hepatitis services for vulnerable populations.
"The fight against hepatitis is a shared responsibility.
Together, we can prevent new infections, improve access to life-saving care, and move Nigeria closer to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030," the statement read.
The Foundation concluded by urging every Nigerian to take action with the campaign message:
"Get Tested. Get Vaccinated. Get Treated. Protect Your Liver. Protect Your Future."
Culled: The News Desk, Ikule Emanuel
