Soludo’s Wife Calls for Swift Action to Curb Increasing Hepatitis Cases

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising cases of Hepatitis B and C in Nigeria, warning that the situation demands immediate national attention.

Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, noted that an estimated 20 million Nigerians are currently infected with either or both forms of the disease, with more than 80 percent unaware of their status.

Speaking at the 2025 National Hepatitis Summit in Abuja, she expressed concern that limited public awareness remains one of the major factors fuelling the spread of the disease. “A large majority of our people know very little or absolutely nothing about Hepatitis and how dangerous it can be,” she said.

She emphasised that early detection and treatment are key to managing the disease, explaining that Hepatitis B can be treated if discovered early, while Hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral medicines when detected in its initial stages.

Dr. Soludo urged increased public education and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to intensify the fight against the disease at both state and national levels. “Even though we are behind, progress is still possible if we act now,” she noted.

Highlighting preventive measures, she pointed out that the Hepatitis B vaccine is already part of Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule for children and encouraged adults to get vaccinated at accredited health facilities. “These vaccines are not only safe but also highly effective,” she added.

She warned that failure to act promptly could lead to a public health crisis. “The numbers are frightening, but if we remain committed to education and strategic dialogue, we can prevent a much bigger problem in the near future,” she said.

Dr. Soludo reaffirmed her commitment to advancing awareness and prevention through her Healthy Living campaign in Anambra State and beyond.

As part of her broader health advocacy, she recently led a Healthy Living Walk across several Anambra communities to promote fitness, healthy eating, and disease prevention. The event, which started in Aroma, Awka, brought together government officials, health workers, students, and residents.

Following the exercise, Dr. Soludo reiterated the importance of physical activity and nutrition, describing exercise as “medicine for healing and overall well-being.”