Uganda’s Ministry of Health has taken a major step by adding the Hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) to the national immunization schedule. Officials say this action will protect newborns from one of the world’s most severe viral infections.
The vaccine must be given within the first 24 hours of life. It blocks mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, which remains a global public health challenge. Without immediate protection, up to 90% of infants born to infected mothers develop chronic infection. Consequently, many of them later suffer from cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona praised the rollout as a critical milestone. He explained, “This intervention ensures that protection starts right from birth.” He further noted that Uganda had already made progress with adolescent and adult vaccination. However, the new policy closes the gap by shielding newborns from lifelong illness.
For more than a decade, Uganda has strengthened hepatitis B prevention. The government expanded vaccination campaigns in high-burden regions and increased access to screening and treatment. Now, by adding the birth dose, Uganda aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Moreover, WHO emphasizes that timely birth doses are key to achieving global elimination targets by 2030.
The Ministry urged health workers, parents, and communities to support the program. Authorities stressed that every newborn should receive the vaccine within 24 hours of delivery. Therefore, collaboration at every level will determine the program’s success.
Ainebyoona added, “This is a life-saving intervention that we must all embrace if we are to secure a healthier future for our children and generations to come.” His message underlined the government’s commitment to global health standards and long-term public safety.
By adopting the Hepatitis B birth dose, Uganda strengthens its health system and moves closer to eliminating hepatitis B. In addition, the policy reinforces the country’s determination to protect future generations from liver disease.
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