To stem the scourge of cancer, Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Habeeb Muhammadu has called for collective action and increased awareness about hepatitis.
Muhammadu, who works with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, as part of activities marking World Hepatitis Day (WHD), observed annually on July 28.
WHD aims to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and liver cancer.
The 2025 theme is: “Let’s Break It Down.”
According to Muhammadu, the goal of the 2025 theme cannot be achieved without proper public education and understanding.
He said lack of awareness remained a significant factor contributing to the high incidence of hepatitis and liver cancer.
“Viral hepatitis is one of the most contagious diseases globally. With better awareness and knowledge of preventive measures, many of the life-threatening complications can be avoided,” he said.
He explained that viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by a group of viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
“Worldwide, 290 million people are living with viral hepatitis without knowing it. Infections with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are the leading causes of liver cancer,” he added.
Muhammadu described the theme “Let’s Break It Down” as a clarion call not only to make hepatitis services accessible but also to enlighten millions who might be unaware they were infected.
“It’s essential to inform people about the modes of transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures for hepatitis,” he stressed.
He further noted that viral hepatitis accounted for 80 per cent of liver cancer deaths worldwide, with more than 800,000 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed each year.
Hepatitis is commonly spread through contaminated blood, intravenous drug use, and sexual contact with an infected person.
He pointed out that many hepatitis cases were asymptomatic.
Muhammadu emphasised that one of the most effective prevention methods was vaccination against hepatitis B.
