The Federal Government has unveiled Project 365, a bold national initiative aimed at eliminating hepatitis in Nigeria by 2030. Announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the initiative comes as hepatitis continues to pose a serious public health and economic challenge, costing the country an estimated ₦10.3 trillion to ₦17.9 trillion annually.

The project will prioritise mass screening, treatment, and vaccination, targeting over 21 million Nigerians currently living with hepatitis B and C. It includes a daily campaign across all 360 federal constituencies, supported by the National Assembly and launched on World Hepatitis Day 2025 under the theme: “Hepatitis Can’t Wait – Test. Treat. Eliminate.”

Key features include:
•Establishment of the Viral Elimination Fund (VEL) to support access to affordable care
•Tax incentives and regulatory reforms to promote local production of diagnostics and treatment
•Pilot screenings in correctional centres in Gombe State
•Daily outreach to underserved communities for testing and treatment
•Expanded vaccination campaigns and curative treatment for hepatitis C
•Integration into the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for healthcare financing, alongside the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund

The National Coordinator of NASCP, Dr. Adebola Bashorun, described Project 365 as a transformative, community-driven approach to disease control and health equity.

This move aligns with SDG 3 and the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.