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Uganda to host triple elimination conference for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis

14 July 2025, 3:52 pm

Officials from ministry of health and partners in a group photo after a media breakfast at Loudel Towers in kampala

Byamukama Alozious

Uganda is set to host the Triple Elimination Conference in Africa from July 21-23 in Munyonyo, Kampala, with the aim of eliminating HIV, Hepatitis B, and syphilis. The conference will bring together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to share best practices, innovations, and challenges in the fight against these diseases.

According to Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, Uganda has made significant progress in the fight against viral hepatitis through the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine as part of the pentavalent vaccine in the National Immunization program. Since 2015, Uganda has implemented targeted screening and treatment campaigns for Hepatitis B, reaching over 4 million adolescents and adults, with more than 260,000 individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B and successfully linked into care.

Globally, 254 million people are living with Hepatitis B, with 65 million having chronic infections. In Uganda, the prevalence of syphilis among adults stands at 6%. The country has also reported 4,700 HIV vertical infections in 2024, a significant reduction from 2010. Globally, 41 million people are living with HIV, with 26 million in Africa.

Kenneth Kabagambe, Executive Director of the National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B, praised the government’s efforts, saying, “Uganda has begun local production of first-line Hepatitis B medicines, and we are actively planning for domestic manufacturing of Hepatitis C treatments as well.”

Mutumba Robert, a Ministry of Health official on STI and HIV management, emphasized the need for sustained commitment and innovation to overcome challenges, saying, “Every 30 seconds, the world loses a life to hepatitis. Uganda is no exception, and Uganda is taking action, but we cannot take it alone.”

Kenneth Kabagambe, Executive Director of the National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B

The conference aims to strengthen commitment toward triple elimination goals, share best practices and innovations, and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration.