The call was made by Dr. Ruth Dorothy Akuno, the Hepatitis B Program Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, during a vibrant community health event in Ngando, Butambala District.
The outreach, organized in partnership with the Liver Health Foundation, formed part of Uganda’s commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, marked globally every July.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akuno emphasized the need to vaccinate newborns immediately after birth, saying early immunization significantly reduces the risk of chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to liver failure and cancer.
She appealed to mothers to embrace early childhood vaccination, saying it is the most effective way to protect future generations and stop the spread of the virus within communities.
The Ministry of Health and the Liver Health Foundation also rolled out a sensitization campaign to educate the public about Hepatitis B — its modes of transmission, health risks, and prevention.
The event drew hundreds of residents and included musical performances, cultural showcases, and interactive education sessions tailored to both youth and adults.
The day concluded with a free medical camp offering Hepatitis B screening, counseling, and vaccination.
The high turnout highlighted the demand for accessible health services in rural communities.
Dr. Akuno used the occasion to call on government to channel more funding into Hepatitis B programs, arguing that the disease should receive the same attention as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Ashiraf Mukuye, representing the Liver Health Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to bringing Hepatitis B services to grassroots communities.
“Our goal is to make sure no one is left behind in the fight against Hepatitis B,” Mukuye said.
“We want to raise awareness and deliver services where they’re needed most.”
Local leaders praised the campaign as timely and urged the Ministry of Health to expand such outreach to more underserved areas across the country.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 296 million people worldwide live with chronic Hepatitis B, with Africa bearing a significant share of the burden.
In Uganda, the disease remains a major public health concern, particularly in the north and west, where infection rates are highest.
This year’s World Hepatitis Day was commemorated under the theme, “Hepatitis Can’t Wait,” a message underscoring the urgency of prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment.
The event in Ngando not only raised awareness, but also delivered critical health interventions that many residents would otherwise struggle to access — a powerful reminder of the value of community-based health initiatives.