The Kano State Government has raised serious concerns about the rising number of residents living with Hepatitis B, disclosing that over 1.2 million people in the state are currently affected by the virus.
The alarming figure was revealed by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, during a press briefing held in honor of World Hepatitis Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break the Silence,” highlights the urgent need for public education and proactive healthcare interventions.
Describing Hepatitis B as a major — yet preventable — public health issue, Dr. Yusuf stressed the dangers of ignoring the virus. If left untreated, Hepatitis B can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer, both of which can be fatal.
In a proactive move to curb the spread and impact of the disease, the Kano State Government earlier this year rolled out the “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” initiative — a project aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission, which is responsible for as much as 80 percent of new infections. The initiative, launched in February with an initial funding of ₦95 million, offers free Hepatitis B screening and treatment to pregnant women, alongside immediate vaccinations for newborns.
Kano has also made history by becoming the first state in Nigeria to independently implement and fund a Triple Elimination strategy, which targets HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis simultaneously — a bold step toward achieving comprehensive maternal and child health goals.
To sustain and expand the program, Dr. Yusuf confirmed that an additional ₦135 million has been proposed. The funds would go toward broadening outreach efforts, acquiring more medical supplies, and aligning with the World Health Organization’s 2030 target to eliminate Hepatitis as a global health threat.