WHO report indicates global progress against viral hepatitis is insufficient for 2030 elimination targets
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The World Health Organization's Global Hepatitis Report 2026 reveals that while global progress against viral hepatitis is improving, it remains inadequate to meet the 2030 elimination targets. In 2024, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, which cause 95 percent of hepatitis-related deaths, led to 1.34 million deaths globally, with 1.1 million linked to HBV and 240,000 to HCV infections, primarily due to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Approximately 1.8 million new infections were recorded in 2024, with 900,000 cases each for HBV and HCV. As of 2024, about 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis infections worldwide. Since 2015, there has been a 32 percent decline in new hepatitis B infections due to improved immunization and prevention strategies, and a 12 percent reduction in HCV-related deaths, driven by access to effective antiviral treatment. The prevalence of chronic HBV among children under five decreased from 0.8 percent in 2015 to 0.6 percent in 2024, and the number of people living with HCV dropped by 20 percent due to expanded curative treatment programs. However, new HCV infections fell by only eight percent between 2015 and 2024, far below the 80 percent reduction target, and HBV-related deaths increased by 17 percent during the same period due to gaps in diagnosis and treatment. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that eliminating hepatitis is achievable with sustained political will and adequate funding. The report emphasizes th
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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, successfully rescued 14 victims who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue operation, announced by Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, was a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements in the maritime corridor. All victims were rescued without harm and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families. Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu commended the joint security team for the successful operation, highlighting it as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The incident, which occurred when a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron was intercepted, had previously drawn attention from the Senate, which urged security agencies to intensify operations in the Niger Delta waterways.
Must ReadA disturbing video circulating on social media shows the public killing of a bound suspect by armed men, identified as alleged police officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Effurun Area Command, in Delta State. The 90-second video depicts the suspect, with hands and legs tied, pleading for his life and offering to cooperate. Despite his pleas, an armed man fires a shot into his leg, and then a second shot towards his head, in full view of onlookers. The body is subsequently placed into a police van. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with Nigerians demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu described the footage as "disturbing," while other social media users called for police leadership to take action. In response to the viral video and public backlash, the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident, providing a tracking number for the complaint.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central, has acquired the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the All Progressives Congress to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat. This action marks his official entry into the upcoming electoral race. Sani, a human rights activist and politician, previously served in the Senate for Kaduna Central and is recognized in Nigerian politics. His participation is anticipated to influence the dynamics of the contest in the district due to his grassroots support and political background. Observers and party stakeholders suggest this development could increase competition among those seeking the APC ticket in Kaduna Central. The sale of forms is scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions closing on May 4, 2026. Aspirant screening is set for May 6 to May 9, 2026, covering various political offices. Primary elections will commence on May 15, 2026, and conclude on May 23, 2026.
Mustapha Gubio, the immediate past Commissioner for Works and Housing in Borno State, has obtained the nomination form to run in the upcoming governorship election. Gubio, who is the first aspirant to get the APC gubernatorial nomination form in the state, presented the form to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri. This was confirmed by the governor's spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, who shared a photo of the event. Gubio's entry into the race follows Governor Zulum's dissolution of the State Executive Council on March 30, a move intended to allow council members to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections. Gubio previously oversaw infrastructure projects as Commissioner for Works and Housing.