Rotary Calls for Action Against Rising Hepatitis Cases

Rotary leaders in Nigeria have expressed concern over the increasing burden of hepatitis, urging for heightened public awareness, affordable vaccinations, and expanded screening services. This appeal was made during a maternal and child health outreach organized by the Rotary Club of Abuja Apo Resettlement and the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro at the Apo Resettlement Primary Health Care Centre to commemorate World Hepatitis Day in 2026.

The outreach provided free hepatitis B and C screenings, vaccinations, counseling, and birth kits to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Rotarian Hauwa Abbas emphasized the need for hepatitis to receive the same public attention as HIV, noting that many Nigerians lack awareness of the disease and its dangers.

She highlighted the rising costs of hepatitis vaccines, which have increased from N1,000-N2,000 to N5,000-N8,000, making it difficult for families to afford the full vaccination schedule. The Rotary Club's President, Rotarian Christian Njoku, reported over 100 residents participated in the exercise, receiving vaccinations and maternal health support.