The Kano State Government has revealed that over 1.2 million people are living with the Hepatitis B virus in the state, based on current and retrospective health data.
To address the growing crisis, the government has launched Nigeria’s first Triple Elimination Programme, aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the state’s Commissioner for Health, announced the initiative on Monday during a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break it Down.”
Dr Yusuf said as part of the campaign, the state has released N95 million for the procurement of test kits and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), a critical antiviral treatment for pregnant women who test positive for Hepatitis B. An additional N135 million is awaiting approval to further support the programme.
“This makes Kano the first state to not only initiate but also own the process of a comprehensive Triple Elimination of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis in pregnant women,” Dr. Yusuf said.
The programme, titled “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” (HepFree Uwadajariri), was launched in February 2025 and is currently being implemented in six major healthcare facilities, including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, and Muhammad Wase Teaching Hospital, among others.
Dr. Yusuf explained that all pregnant women accessing antenatal care in the selected hospitals are screened free of charge for Hepatitis B. Those who test positive are placed on TDF treatment from 32 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Newborns receive free Hepatitis B vaccines at birth, administered by immunization officers posted in delivery wards.
The Health Commissioner emphasized that 70–80% of all Hepatitis B infections in the country are a result of MTCT, which the initiative aims to eradicate. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate hepatitis services into broader maternal and child health care systems, improve data and supply chains, and advocate for increased domestic health funding.
In addition, Dr. Yusuf said blood transfusion services across public and private hospitals have adopted strict screening protocols to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B through donated blood.
He urged development partners, private sector actors, and the media to support the programme through advocacy, funding, and public sensitization.
