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

14 July 2025, 3:52 pm

Officials from the Ministry of Health and partner organisations in a group photo after a media breakfast at Loudel Towers in Kampala.

By Byamukama Alozious

Uganda is set to host the Triple Elimination Conference in Africa from 21st to 23rd July 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 combating viral hepatitis through the introduction of the Hepatitis B vaccine as part of the pentavalent vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme. Since 2015, Uganda has implemented targeted screening and treatment campaigns for Hepatitis B, reaching over four million adolescents and adults, with more than 260,000 individuals diagnosed and successfully linked to 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 vertical HIV infections in 2024—a significant reduction compared to 2010. Globally, 41 million people are living with HIV, with 26 million of them in Africa.

Kenneth Kabagambe, Executive Director of the National Organisation for People Living with Hepatitis B, praised the government’s efforts, stating: “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 responsible for STI and HIV management, emphasised the need for sustained commitment and innovation to overcome ongoing challenges. He noted: “Every 30 seconds, the world loses a life to hepatitis. Uganda is no exception. We are taking action, but we cannot do it alone.”

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

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