Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nearly 300 million people worldwide live with this virus, which resulted in an estimated 820,000 preventable deaths in 2019. In 2016, WHO outlined a goal to end viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030. In a recent review, researchers systematically collected data to estimate the levels of HBV infection in Nigeria. This information will be critical for meeting global and national elimination goals. They found a prevalence of 9.5% – which is nearly 20,083,000 Nigerians. That is a high percentage. Infection rates differed by geographical area. The results point to the size of the potential liver disease crisis in Nigeria and where to focus prevention and care efforts with limited resources. The prevalence rate of 9.5% that emerged from our analysis means that Nigeria meets the WHO’s criteria for high endemicity.SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
More Stories
Angélique Kidjo & Ibrahim Maalouf on ‘Queen of Sheba’
Discovery of Embalming Workshop Reveals How Ancient Egyptians Mummified the Dead
On a Walking Safari in Zambia
theGrio Style Guide: A Glimpse Into the Robust African Fashion Industry
Top 5 African Cities Food Lovers Must Visit in 2023
SA’s First Black African Freediving Instructor On her Favourite Ocean Spots along Cape Town
Iemanjá Festival: Keeping the Afro-Brazilian Tradition Alive
African Travel and Tourism has Potential for Immense Growth
Dakar Hosts the First Africa Vegan Restaurant Week
Under the Hanging Tree Examines how Namibia’s Genocide Lives on Today
Under the Hanging Tree Examines how Namibia’s Genocide Lives on Today
Re-entry of Higher Capacity Aircraft on African Routes Shows Recovery of Hard Hit Travel Sector