Have you ever wondered if you could be living with a disease that shows no symptoms for years, yet it silently damages one of the most vital organs in the body? The Liver.
Millions of people across Africa continue to live with Hepatitis B unknowingly, while countless others lose their lives to complications that could have been prevented. Hepatitis B is also known as a silent killer because many infected individuals remain symptom-free until liver damage has already occurred. This disease is highly preventable through vaccination and it can also be effectively managed with early diagnosis and appropriate medical care.
The GeneLab Bioscience, in partnership with Zolon Healthcare Ltd and Dr. Mrs. Ige, honoured World Hepatitis Day 2026 with a community road walk. From Sabo, Yaba to Alagomeji, the team walked with healthcare professionals, volunteers and some members of the community. Every step taken represented a commitment to breaking down the barriers that continue to encourage the spread of viral hepatitis.
Why “Let’s Break It Down” Matters
The WHO 2026 Hepatitis Day theme, “Let’s Break It Down”, calls on individuals, communities, healthcare professionals and governments to dismantle the obstacles preventing the elimination of viral hepatitis in Africa. Through our road walk, we engaged directly with individuals who might otherwise have limited access to receive health education. By taking healthcare beyond the walls of hospitals and laboratories, thereby making a life-saving information accessible.
To achieve the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis, we must:
Break down myths and misconceptions surrounding hepatitis.
Break down the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with hepatitis.
Break down barriers to testing, vaccination and treatment.
Break down the silence by encouraging open conversations about hepatitis.
Community Health Services
During the outreach, interested members of the public were offered:
- Free Hepatitis B (HBsAg) screening to identify possible Hepatitis B infection.
- Counselling and referrals for participants with reactive screening results, helping participants understand their status and the next steps.
- Hepatitis B vaccination for individuals who tested negative and wished to protect themselves against future infection.
During the process of the screening, there was an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants openly discussed their concerns and gained knowledge about hepatitis.
Who Can Be Affected?
Both males and females are susceptible to hepatitis infection. People at higher risk include newborns born to infected mothers, individuals exposed to infected blood or body fluids, unvaccinated individuals and people living in regions where Hepatitis B is highly prevalent.
Our Goal and Expected Impact
To improve awareness, promote prevention and facilitate the early detection of hepatitis among market traders, men, women, youth, visitors, and members of the Sabo, Yaba and Alagomeji communities through education, free screening, counseling, and vaccination advocacy.
- Every person educated represents another opportunity to prevent infection.
- Every person screened represents another opportunity for early detection.
- Every person vaccinated represents another life protected.
We hope this campaign will encourage more individuals to know their Hepatitis B status, seek vaccination if eligible, support loved ones living with hepatitis without discrimination and prioritize regular health screening.
At The GeneLab Bioscience, we remain committed to improving public health through quality laboratory services, health education, disease prevention and community engagement.
Together, we can break down the barriers that keep Hepatitis B hidden. Together, we can save lives.