Integration of Viral Hepatitis Screening into Routine Antenatal Care in Niger State

Routine antenatal care offers a strategic platform for hepatitis B and C virus screening, yet integration of hepatitis testing into antenatal services remains incomplete in many Nigerian states. Niger State, North Central Nigeria, has a high prevalence of viral hepatitis but limited integration of hepatitis screening within its ANC programme. This study evaluates the extent of viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) screening integration at public antenatal care clinics across Niger State. A cross-sectional facility assessment will be conducted at 30 ANC clinics in Minna, Bida, and Kontagora local government areas. Structured assessment tools will measure hepatitis test kit availability, proportion of ANC attendees screened in the preceding six months, documentation completeness, reactive case management, and linkage to hepatitis treatment services. Health worker interviews will explore barriers to routine screening, including kit supply interruptions and knowledge gaps on interpreting reactive results. National assessments indicate hepatitis B screening coverage in Nigerian ANC settings is below 40 percent in most states, with hepatitis C screening even lower. Findings will characterise the current state of hepatitis screening integration in Niger State and provide specific recommendations for the State Primary Health Care Development Agency to strengthen hepatitis-ANC integration under Nigeria's National Hepatitis B and C Strategic Plan. Keywords: viral hepatitis, HBV screening, antenatal care, Niger State, integration