Nigeria, July 30 -- World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July every year, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to tackle viral hepatitis, one of the most widespread but underdiagnosed public health threats.

The disease, which inflames and gradually damages the liver, often progresses silently until it causes serious complications like liver failure or cancer.

Despite being preventable, treatable and in some cases curable, many people only discover their status when symptoms become severe or irreversible.

This year's theme, "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down," highlights the need to dismantle the many social, financial and systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing lifesaving care.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging...