Ministry of health launches new plan to combat hepatitis B

3 August 2024, 12:47 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Ministry of Health has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle Hepatitis B, which continues to pose a significant threat to the lives of Ugandans. The “National Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Strategic Plan 2023-28” was launched during World Hepatitis Day on 2nd August in Kumi district, with the State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Hanifer Kawooya, officiating the event.

In her remarks, Minister Kawooya emphasised the ministry’s focus on prevention through immunising children, conducting mobile testing, and ensuring vaccine availability in health facilities. However, she expressed concerns over limited government funding, stating that budget constraints have severely hampered their interventions.

“We receive few funds, and with every budget, our resource envelope is reduced. This has led us to rely on external support for up to 80%,” Kawooya said. She also highlighted issues of corruption, urging all stakeholders to stand against it.

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Health Services – Curative, explained the decision to celebrate in Kumi, citing the overwhelming cases of Hepatitis B despite preventive measures. He attributed the high prevalence to alcohol abuse, which exacerbates liver damage and leads to chronic illness.

During July 2024, designated as Hepatitis month, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Kumi district administration, screened 7,110 people (2,773 males and 4,337 females) for Hepatitis B, with 4.2% testing positive. This was confirmed by Dr Ongola Emmanuel, the Kumi district Health Officer.

Kumi municipal Mayor Ochom Richard pointed to the high prevalence of Hepatitis B in the area, attributing it to trailer drivers who park in Kumi town and engage in unprotected sexual activities, spreading both HIV and Hepatitis B.

Prof. Ocama Pansiano, an associate professor of medicine and former head of the department of Internal medicine at Makerere University School of Medicine, served as the keynote speaker during the celebrations. He warned that the greater north region, including Kumi, which has high Hepatitis infection rates to adopt testing .

“Hepatitis spreads like HIV and can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. Having both Hepatitis B and C can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes. The only way to know you’re positive is through testing,” he stressed. “I encourage everyone in the local community to go and get tested.”

Lutamaguzi Emanuel, a viral hepatitis activist living with Hepatitis B (learnt of his status in 2016) and Executive Director at the Hepatitis Aid Organisation, emphasised the need for a collective effort to combat the disease.

“We must jointly advocate for increased access to Hepatitis C treatment,” he urged. “With approximately 365,000 people living with Hepatitis C with 9% diagnosis and 0% treatment coverage in Uganda; Increased domestic funding from USD 3m and multisectoral collaborations are crucial to address this public health issue.”