In 2025, Benue State identified 193 cases of Hepatitis B among pregnant women, prompting officials to increase efforts to control the virus. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, shared these statistics during the 2026 World Hepatitis Day event.
Out of 35,508 pregnant women screened last year, 193 tested positive. Current data indicates a prevalence rate of eight percent for Hepatitis B and one percent for Hepatitis C within the region. To combat this, the state is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to offer prophylactic care, aiming to stop mother-to-child transmission.
Benue is participating in the Federal Government’s Project 365, which focuses on eliminating Hepatitis C and stopping the transmission of Hepatitis B by 2030. Plans include integrating hepatitis services into primary and maternal healthcare facilities and conducting outreach in all 23 Local Government Areas.
Dr. Ogwuche emphasized the severity of the crisis in Nigeria, noting that over 20 million citizens are currently infected. He warned that because symptoms often mimic malaria, over 90 percent of those infected remain unaware of their condition, which can lead to liver failure or cancer. Following international guidance, the state aims to boost vaccination, screening, and treatment access to meet global elimination goals.
