Health experts raise alarm over rising Hepatitis B cases in Lango region,

22 May 2026, 1:47 pm

By Dickens Aruca.

Dr. Andrew Odur, the Acting director for Lira regional referral hospital has raised concern over the increasing cases of Hepatitis B in the Lango sub-region, warning that the disease is becoming a growing public health threat.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Radio Wa, Dr. Odur explained that Hepatitis has five major types — A, B, C, D, and E — with Hepatitis B being the most common in Uganda.

According to Dr. Odur, the national prevalence rate of Hepatitis B currently stands at 4.1 percent, while Northern Uganda records a slightly higher rate of 4.6 percent.

He further revealed that the Lango sub-region alone has a prevalence rate estimated between 4 and 4.3 percent, a situation he described as worrying for public health in the region.

Dr. Odur added that Lira Regional Referral Hospital receives at least one Hepatitis B patient every day for treatment and management.

The acting director explained that Hepatitis B mainly attacks the liver and can lead to liver failure if not detected and managed early. He noted that the disease is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and can also be passed from an infected mother to a newborn baby during childbirth.

To address the growing burden of the disease, Dr. Odur emphasized the importance of regular screening, early treatment, and vaccination against Hepatitis B.

Statistics shared by Dr. Odur indicate that nearly 2 billion people worldwide have been exposed to Hepatitis B, while approximately 257 million people are currently living with the disease globally. He added that the infection causes about 399,000 deaths each year worldwide.

Health experts are now urging the public to prioritize Hepatitis B screening and vaccination as part of efforts to reduce new infections and prevent severe liver-related complications in the Lango sub-region and across Uganda.