Benue records 193 Hepatitis B cases among pregnant women, moves to curb spread

Benue State in Nigeria has reported a significant number of pregnant women testing positive for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), with 193 cases identified in 2025. This figure raises concerns about the ongoing burden of viral hepatitis despite national efforts toward its elimination.

Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, disclosed these statistics during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day. He stated that 35,508 pregnant women were screened in 2025, revealing an 8% prevalence rate for Hepatitis B and 1% for Hepatitis C in the state. To combat mother-to-child transmission, the state is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to provide prophylactic treatment for pregnant women living with HBV.

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In Benue State in 2025, 35,508 pregnant women were tested for HBV, while 193 were infected. We are also working with the Federal Ministry of Health to provide prophylactic treatment for pregnant women living with HBV in order to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

The state government is actively participating in the Federal Government’s Project 365 initiative, which targets the elimination of Hepatitis C and the halting of Hepatitis B transmission by 2030. This involves expanding screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. Hepatitis care is being integrated into primary healthcare and maternal health services across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) through outreach programs to boost testing and referrals.

Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting over 20 million people. He noted that more than 90 percent of infected individuals are unaware of their status, as symptoms often mimic malaria, allowing the disease to progress to severe liver conditions undetected. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 287 million people lived with chronic Hepatitis B or C in 2024, causing over 1.34 million deaths.

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The scale of this silent epidemic in Nigeria is nothing short of staggering. Over 90 percent of those infected remain undiagnosed and continue to unknowingly transmit the virus to others, including their children.