Stakeholders at the dissemination meeting on the outcome of the 2026 World Hepatitis Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, have called for the urgent scale-up of treatment for people living with hepatitis B and C, alongside improved coverage of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, to meet the 2030 global hepatitis elimination targets. The targets, set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) under its Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, seek to reduce hepatitis incidence by 95 per cent by 2030 through a sharp reduction in new hepatitis B and C infections, as well as a 65 per cent reduction in hepatitis-related deaths. The strategy also aims to ensure that 90 per cent of people living with hepatitis B and C are diagnosed, while 80 per cent of eligible persons receive treatment.
Meeting Convened in Taraba State
The dissemination meeting, convened by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID) in Jalingo, Taraba State, at the weekend, brought together stakeholders from different sectors. Representatives of the Taraba State Ministry of Health commended CFID for its public health interventions across the state, noting that the organisation’s awareness campaigns and support services had helped many residents to know their hepatitis status. “Your work across Taraba is well recognised, especially with your interventions and support. People are now more aware of their status,” the ministry’s representative said, while urging stakeholders and development partners to support the organisation’s efforts in combating hepatitis in the state.
WHO Highlights Collective Action
A representative of the WHO highlighted the dangers posed by hepatitis and stressed the need for collective efforts to achieve the global elimination target by 2030. The WHO official also praised CFID for its commitment to reducing the prevalence of hepatitis in Taraba State and underscored the importance of updating medical professionals on the latest global hepatitis report. Representatives of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Taraba State University and Muwanshat College of Health and Technology pledged to intensify awareness campaigns within their institutions and collaborate with CFID to encourage residents to undergo testing and treatment.
Medical Associations Pledge Support
Similarly, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Taraba State chapter, stressed the need to disseminate the latest global hepatitis report across medical facilities in the state. The association stated that acquainting medical practitioners with current hepatitis data and treatment guidelines would help address the growing burden of the disease. The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging regular testing and counselling to help people know their hepatitis status.
Call for Increased Resources
Sharing her experience, Barrister Gloria stated that hepatitis cannot be transmitted through sweat and urged authorities to devote more resources and attention to hepatitis, similar to investments made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The stakeholders collectively emphasised that without expanded treatment and vaccination efforts, the 2030 elimination targets would remain out of reach.
