Date: April 29, 2026 l By Andrew Baba
Nigeria has been listed among the countries bearing the highest burden of hepatitis-related deaths globally, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report, highlighted on April 29, 2026, revealed that Nigeria is among a group of countries contributing significantly to global mortality linked to viral hepatitis B and C—diseases responsible for the vast majority of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide.
According to the WHO’s 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, approximately 1.34 million people died from hepatitis-related causes in 2024, with hepatitis B accounting for about 1.1 million deaths and hepatitis C responsible for roughly 240,000. These deaths are largely due to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The report identified ten countries—including Nigeria, China, India, Indonesia, and South Africa—as accounting for a substantial share of global hepatitis-related deaths. In particular, Nigeria was listed among nations responsible for 69 percent of hepatitis B deaths and also featured among countries contributing significantly to hepatitis C mortality.
Health experts warn that the burden remains especially severe in Africa, where access to diagnosis and treatment is still limited. The WHO noted that fewer than five percent of people living with chronic hepatitis B globally are receiving treatment, despite many being eligible.
In Nigeria, the situation is further compounded by a high number of undiagnosed cases and gaps in preventive care. The report indicated that millions of people continue to live with chronic hepatitis infections, creating a sustained risk of transmission and long-term complications.
Globally, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infections as of 2024, with about 1.8 million new infections occurring annually. The African region alone accounted for roughly 68 percent of new hepatitis B infections, highlighting the disproportionate impact on developing countries.
Despite some progress—such as reductions in new infections and improvements in childhood vaccination rates—the WHO warned that current efforts remain insufficient to meet the global target of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that while elimination is achievable, urgent action is needed. He called for expanded vaccination programmes, increased testing, and improved access to treatment to curb the rising death toll.
The report underscores the urgent need for Nigeria and other high-burden countries to strengthen healthcare systems and scale up interventions aimed at prevention, early detection, and treatment of hepatitis infections.
Source: World Health Organization