Introduction
Nigeria is facing a major liver disease crisis that many people still know very little about. The country has one of the highest burdens of hepatitis B infection in the world, with millions of Nigerians currently living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis C affects millions more. Together, these two viral infections are among the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in Nigeria, causing thousands of deaths every year.
What makes this crisis especially dangerous is how silent it can be. Most people living with hepatitis B or C have no symptoms for years or even decades. They feel healthy and continue with normal life while the virus slowly damages the liver. By the time symptoms appear, serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer may already be advanced.
This guide explains what hepatitis B and C are, how they spread, how to know if you may have them, and what can be done to protect yourself and your family.
What is the Liver and Why Does it Matter?
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It sits on the right side of the abdomen beneath the rib cage and performs hundreds of vital functions, including:
- Processing medications, food, alcohol, and toxins
- Producing bile to help digest fats
- Producing proteins needed for blood clotting and immunity
- Storing glycogen for energy regulation
- Producing cholesterol and other important substances
When the liver becomes damaged whether from viruses, alcohol, obesity, or toxic substances it gradually loses the ability to perform these functions properly. Over time, this affects the entire body.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.
In Nigeria, viral hepatitis especially hepatitis B and hepatitis C remains one of the most serious causes of liver disease.
Hepatitis B What You Need to Know
How Hepatitis B Spreads
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly infectious and spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
Common routes of transmission include:
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth one of the most important routes in Nigeria
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Sharing razors, clippers, or sharp objects
- Contact with infected blood through cuts or wounds
- Unsterilised medical, dental, tattoo, or traditional treatment equipment
Hepatitis B is NOT spread through:
- Hugging
- Handshakes
- Sharing food or water
- Coughing or sneezing
- Sitting near someone with hepatitis B
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Some adults infected with hepatitis B may develop symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and joint pain
- Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Pain on the right side of the abdomen
Many adults recover completely after the initial infection.
However, around 5–10% of infected adults develop chronic hepatitis B infection. In babies infected during childbirth, chronic infection develops in up to 90% of cases, which is why prevention at birth is extremely important.
The Progression to Liver Damage
Chronic hepatitis B can slowly progress through several stages:
- Chronic liver inflammation
- Liver fibrosis (scarring)
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
The risk of liver cancer varies depending on factors such as viral activity, cirrhosis, alcohol use, and access to treatment.
Because this damage develops slowly over many years, most people feel normal for a long time before serious symptoms appear.
Hepatitis B Vaccination The Most Important Protection
One of the most important facts about hepatitis B is that it is preventable with vaccination.
The hepatitis B vaccine:
- Provides over 95% protection against infection
- Is given as a series of injections
- Is part of Nigeria’s routine childhood immunisation schedule
- Should begin with the birth dose as soon as possible after delivery
- Can also be taken by adults who were never vaccinated
The vaccine prevents infection but does not treat existing hepatitis B.
If you do not know your hepatitis status, it is important to get tested and vaccinated if needed.
Hepatitis C What You Need to Know
How Hepatitis C Spreads
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
It spreads mainly through blood exposure, including:
- Sharing needles or blood-contaminated equipment
- Unsterilised medical or traditional treatment instruments
- Sharing razors or clippers
- Blood transfusions performed before modern screening systems
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
- Sexual transmission in some cases
Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact or sharing meals.
Symptoms and Progression
Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms during the early stages.
Around 75–85% of infected individuals develop chronic infection, which slowly damages the liver over many years.
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can eventually lead to:
- Liver fibrosis
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
Hepatitis C is Now Curable
One of the biggest advances in modern medicine is that hepatitis C can now be cured.
Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can cure over 95% of patients, often within 8–12 weeks depending on the individual’s condition and treatment plan.
These treatments are becoming increasingly available in Nigeria through specialist hospitals and treatment programmes.
If you test positive for hepatitis C, seek proper medical care early.
Who Should Get Tested?
Everyone should know their hepatitis status, especially people who:
- Have never received hepatitis B vaccination
- Were born to a mother with hepatitis B
- Have had unsterilised procedures
- Share razors, clippers, or sharp objects
- Received blood transfusions in the past
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Have HIV, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Have unexplained fatigue or jaundice
Testing is done through simple blood tests available in hospitals and laboratories.
At Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, we can advise you on where to access testing and vaccination in Gombe State.
Living with Hepatitis B or C
A diagnosis of hepatitis is not a death sentence. With proper medical care, many people live long and healthy lives.
Important steps include:
- Regular medical monitoring
- Liver function and viral load testing
- Antiviral treatment when indicated
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding unnecessary medications
- Vaccinating family members against hepatitis B
- Regular liver cancer screening for high-risk patients
Protecting Your Family
You can reduce the risk of hepatitis in your household by:
- Vaccinating all children against hepatitis B starting at birth
- Testing pregnant women for hepatitis B
- Avoiding shared razors and clippers
- Ensuring sterile medical and traditional procedures
- Knowing your hepatitis status through testing
Babies born to hepatitis B-positive mothers may require both immediate vaccination and additional protective treatment at birth.
Conclusion
Hepatitis B and C remain among the most serious infectious diseases affecting Nigerians today. Because these infections can remain silent for many years, millions of people do not know they are infected until severe liver damage has already occurred.
The good news is that hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, and hepatitis C can now often be cured with modern treatment.
Early testing, vaccination, and proper medical care can save lives.
At Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, Gombe State, our pharmacists are available to advise you on hepatitis testing, vaccination, medication guidance, and specialist referral.
Protect your liver. Know your status. Visit Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, Gombe State for trusted healthcare guidance and support.
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