World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Nigeria as one of the countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024, underscoring the persistent burden of the disease worldwide.
In its latest report, the global health body revealed that viral hepatitis B and C remain the leading causes of hepatitis-related mortality, accounting for approximately 1.34 million deaths in 2024. The diseases continue to spread at an alarming rate, with over 4,900 new infections recorded daily—equivalent to about 1.8 million new cases annually.
The report highlighted Nigeria among ten countries bearing the highest burden of hepatitis B-related deaths, alongside Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, the
Philippines, South Africa, and Viet Nam. Collectively, these nations accounted for 69 percent of global hepatitis B fatalities.
Similarly, Nigeria was listed among countries with a significant share of hepatitis C-related deaths. According to WHO, ten countries—including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan,
Russia, South Africa, the United States, and Viet Nam—made up 58 per cent of global hepatitis C deaths in 2024.
Despite these concerning figures, the WHO noted some progress since 2015. New hepatitis B infections have declined by 32 percent, while hepatitis C-related deaths have reduced by 12 percent globally. Additionally, hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has dropped to 0.6 percent, with several countries achieving elimination targets.
Speaking on the findings, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that eliminating hepatitis remains achievable but requires stronger commitment. He noted that many cases remain undiagnosed due to stigma, weak healthcare systems, and limited access to treatment.
The report further estimated that about 287 million people are currently living with chronic hepatitis B or C worldwide. However, treatment coverage remains critically low, with less than 5 percent of hepatitis B patients receiving care.
The WHO called for urgent action, urging countries to scale up vaccination, testing, and treatment efforts to meet the global target of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
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