The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to combat viral hepatitis through free screening and vaccination campaigns across Ikorodu, Agege and Isolo, urging residents to know their hepatitis status and seek early treatment to prevent life-threatening liver diseases.
Speaking at the 2026 World Hepatitis Day commemoration held at Ikorodu General Hospital on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, said the initiative is aimed at raising awareness, expanding access to testing and vaccination, and reducing hepatitis-related deaths across the state.
Fisher said viral hepatitis remains one of the leading causes of death among infectious diseases because many infected people are unaware of their status. He noted that poor public awareness continues to hinder efforts to control the disease.
He explained that the Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses for full protection, urging beneficiaries to complete the vaccination schedule by taking the second dose one month after the first and the final dose six months after the initial dose.
The programme coordinator also disclosed that the Lagos State Government has increased funding for hepatitis testing and has already vaccinated about 5,000 healthcare workers due to their higher occupational risk.
He commended pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental organisations for supporting the free screening and vaccination exercise for vulnerable residents.
According to Fisher, treatment services for infected persons are available at designated facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Federal Medical Centre, general hospitals in Surulere and Gbagada, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, and other centres with specialist gastroenterologists.
Also speaking, Consultant Public Health Physician at Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Yetunde Odusolu, described viral hepatitis as a major public health concern, explaining that liver damage can result from viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of certain medications.
The Project Manager of Blessed Medical Aid Foundation, Miss Ajagunna Adedolapo, whose organisation partnered with the Ministry for the outreach, said the collaboration would strengthen coordinated hepatitis interventions and improve documentation of beneficiaries reached through community programmes.
Adedolapo revealed that the foundation had already reached about 180 residents before the event and expected to screen and vaccinate more than 200 people during the exercise.
She added that participants who tested positive had been enrolled for counselling and referral for treatment, while those who tested negative would receive the complete three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination schedule.
Some beneficiaries commended the state government and its partners for providing free hepatitis screening and vaccination.
