Govt  launches fresh campaign  to prevent spread of Viral Hepatitis

The ministry of health has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Prevention Plan to avert this pandemic.

The move follows the increasing cases of people contracting Hepatitis B and C across the country.

The launch was held in Kumi district during National celebrations to commemorate World Hepatitis Day on Friday, 02 June 2024, “under the theme, eliminate Hepatitis, Hepatitis can’t wait its time for Action”.

Health ministry officials and different district leaders attended the events.

Hannifah Kawoya, the minister for health in charge of general duties called on the entire country to step up the fight against Hepatitis B and C.

Kawooya who raised  a red flag  about the spread said that

the increasing number of people getting infected is worrying with the North Eastern region having the biggest number of cases.

“Together we can eliminate this pandemic as a country if we sensitize our communities,”r Kawooya said.

She also emphasized to the health workers to ensure that screening is regularly carried out in health facilities across the country, adding that as the Ministry of Health launches the strategic plan, the government will ensure that the necessary support shall be given to achieve the fight against Hepatitis.

Kawooya also implored the government to strongly fight against corruption which will save money that will go a long way to save the lives of people through the ministry of health.

Prof. Dr Ponsiano Ocama, a specialist in Herpetology, focusing on viral infections in the ministry of health noted that worldwide about 300 million people are living with Hepatitis B viral infection.

In Uganda, two (2) million people have Hepatitis B with the Northern and Eastern districts of Uganda leading with the Hepatitis B prevalence.

“The rate of liver disease is very high and many people die, but we can eliminate this through vaccination including our young children,” Dr Ocama said.

Dr Charles Olara, the director in charge of curative services said as ministry of health, the test and treatment program for Hepatitis B will soon be rolled out across the country.

He challenged the community to ensure that they embrace the exercise so that Hepatitis B and associated diseases such as HIV/AIDS among others are eliminated.

“Those who have this disease should enrol for treatment,” Dr Olara said.

He adds that the challenge with people, especially in the North-Eastern region, is that even those who are diagnosed with the disease consume alcohol, something he noted is causing them to die prematurely.

Dr Emmanuel Ongala, the District Health Officer Kumi district reported that Hepatitis is still a threat in the district.

In July, tests were conducted across the district where out of the 3000 people who were tested, 300 had Hepatitis B.

According to Dr Ogala, the district is committed to continue sensitizing and mobilizing the communities on the immunization and treatment of those who are living with Hepatitis B.

Dr Kaggwa Mugagga, the country advisor on Hepatitis B working with the World Health Organization (WHO) said worldwide 3,500 people die every day due to Hepatitis B infection.

254 million people live with Hepatitis while a majority remain unscreened and treated, adding that in Africa, 65 million people live with Hepatitis B and 8 million live with Hepatitis C. This is a percentage of about 13% and only 3% are treated.