The Federal Government has launched Project 365, a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis by the year 2030.
The initiative was unveiled in Abuja by Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, as part of activities marking World Hepatitis Day 2025. He disclosed that the economic burden of hepatitis on Nigeria ranges from ₦10.3 trillion to ₦17.9 trillion annually.
Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health said the project aligns with this year’s global theme: “Hepatitis Can’t Wait—Test. Treat. Eliminate.” He described hepatitis as a major public health issue affecting over 21 million Nigerians and pledged that Project 365 would operate daily across all 360 federal constituencies.
Hepatitis is a viral inflammation of the liver and includes types A, B, C, D, and E. According to the World Health Organization, types B and C account for most hepatitis-related deaths and are often asymptomatic until advanced stages, contributing to delayed diagnosis and liver complications such as cirrhosis or cancer.
Pate explained that the government had set up the Viral Elimination Fund to support nationwide hepatitis testing and treatment efforts. The fund will also help expand access to affordable drugs and promote local pharmaceutical production of diagnostic kits and medicines, in a bid to reduce dependence on imports.
Pilot screenings have already commenced in correctional centres in Gombe State, with the support of Abbott and other partners. According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, 830 inmates were screened at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre between December 2024 and June 2025. The programme will soon expand to all six geopolitical zones and eventually reach all 300 custodial centres nationwide.
Pate noted that hepatitis testing had also been introduced at the National Assembly to encourage lawmakers to undergo screening and rally support for legislative funding toward hepatitis elimination.
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According to Dr. Adebola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme, Project 365 is designed to test, treat, and vaccinate Nigerians across all communities. He emphasized that the initiative is community-driven and backed by the National Assembly, ensuring it receives the necessary political and legislative support.
Bashorun disclosed that the national prevalence rate of viral hepatitis stands at 8.4%, with 8.1% for hepatitis B and 1.21% for hepatitis C. Out of this, 18.2 million Nigerians live with hepatitis B, while 2.5 million are affected by hepatitis C. He assured that hepatitis C-positive individuals will receive curative treatment, while those negative for hepatitis B will be vaccinated.
The project will also address co-infections. Data show that 1.21% of HIV-positive Nigerians are co-infected with hepatitis B, prompting an integrated approach to disease management.
Funding for the initiative will be streamlined under the Sector-Wide Approach policy framework, led by the Ministry of Health. The World Hepatitis Fund will be integrated into a broader financing pool sourced from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, allowing for more flexible and scalable responses.
Former Head of State and Nigeria’s Presidential Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), in a goodwill message delivered by Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi of the Gowon Foundation, praised the launch of Project 365 and called for unity in combating the stigma and misinformation surrounding hepatitis.
Other key stakeholders expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to lead the charge in Africa. Dr. Titilola Munkail, National Coordinator at the African Centre for Disease Control, represented by Dr. Oluyinka Olayemi, highlighted Nigeria’s pace-setting role. Dr. Mya Ngon of the World Health Organization applauded Nigeria’s leadership and pledged continued collaboration on disease control and prevention.
Ngon acknowledged ongoing challenges but commended efforts to reduce treatment costs and promote local drug manufacturing. She emphasized that Nigeria’s integrated health campaigns provide a strong foundation for eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy.
