Nigeria among nations with highest hepatitis deaths in 2024, WHO reports
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The World Health Organization has identified Nigeria as one of the countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024. Viral hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of these deaths, caused 1.34 million fatalities in 2024, with 1.8 million new infections annually. Ten countries, including Nigeria, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B-related deaths, while another set of ten countries, also including Nigeria, made up 58% of hepatitis C-related deaths. Despite a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections and a 12% fall in hepatitis C-related deaths globally since 2015, progress is uneven. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus noted that while elimination is achievable with political commitment and financing, many remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care. In 2024, an estimated 287 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B or C. Africa accounted for 68% of the 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17% of newborns in the region received the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine. Less than 5% of chronic hepatitis B patients and about 20% of hepatitis C patients have received treatment, despite effective therapies. Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were the leading causes of the 1.1 million hepatitis B and 240,000 hepatitis C deaths in 2024. The WHO emphasizes the need for expanded vaccination, wider testing, improved treatment access, and stronger prevention to meet 2030 targets.
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England defender John Stones has announced his departure from Manchester City at the end of the current season, concluding a decade-long tenure with the club. The 31-year-old, whose contract is set to expire this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones played a significant role in the club's success, contributing to six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. Stones reflected on his time, stating he achieved his goals at the club and credited manager Pep Guardiola for his development into a versatile defender. Despite later years being affected by injuries, Stones remained an experienced presence. His departure marks a notable change for the Manchester City squad.
Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has issued a public warning regarding an individual impersonating him online, particularly one reportedly based in the United Kingdom. Johnson shared this information on his Instagram page, including a screenshot of a chat with the suspected impersonator. He clarified that he has no association with this person and that the phone number used by the impersonator does not belong to him. The actor urged the public to disregard any communications from this individual, stating, "I do not know this person and do not represent whatever he or she stands for." Johnson also emphasized that he currently does not work with a personal manager or assistant for business matters, advising that any messages or business proposals made in his name through such channels should be ignored. He called on fans to report the impersonator's number to help prevent damage to his reputation and to protect unsuspecting individuals from being misled.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new digital website for the Federal Character Commission FCC to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, unveiled the platform in Abuja, calling it a strategic milestone for the commission and Nigeria's pursuit of equity and good governance. Akume emphasized that the FCC, as a constitutional body, is crucial for ensuring equitable representation across all segments of the federation in public institutions. He stated that the principle of federal character is a legal obligation and a moral imperative for nation-building, unity, and stability. The new website is intended to be a dynamic governance tool, offering real-time access to data, guidelines, certifications, public inquiries, and other official activities. Akume urged the commission to use technology to publish compliance data, institutional reports, and federal character indices transparently. The wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Laila Jibrin, described the launch as a significant step for the commission's institutional advancement and national cohesion, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Mrs. Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the FCC, stated that the website modernizes the commission's communication and service delivery, providing timely access to policies, recruitment processes, and official announcements. Mr. Abbas
Must ReadThe Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC has launched an investigation into a viral bread review after the consumer who posted it was arrested and sued for ₦50 million by the baker. Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC's Director of Corporate Affairs, stated that the commission acted swiftly upon learning of the situation. The FCCPC intervened to secure the release of the consumer, Love Doshima, from custody. The commission also engaged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC to analyze the bread sample mentioned in Doshima's review. Ijagwu emphasized that consumers have a legal right to share their experiences and seek redress, and the FCCPC will follow the matter to its conclusion. The controversy began when Doshima posted a video claiming a loaf of bread she bought remained fresh for over two months, raising public concerns about product quality and preservatives.