25 September, 2015 by Buwembo David in Health News

Ngora – August 1 - The Ministry of Health has launched a massive vaccination campaign against Hepatitis B that will see over 15 million Ugandans protected against the epidemic currently ravaging several parts of the country. His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni presided over the launch ceremony on July in Ngora district. 

This campaign is part of this year’s World Hepatitis day activities to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, and to call for access to treatment and better prevention programs. “It is my pleasure to launch the campaign for the immunization against Hepatitis B. I appeal to you to take care of your lives and don’t get infected by this deadly disease which spreads like HIV/AIDS through sex, kissing and sharing needles” he said at an excise that saw several people being vaccinated in Mukura Sub county, Ngora district.

The virus is transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids, while viral DNA has been detected in the saliva, tears, and urine of chronic carriers.

Until recently, the hepatitis B vaccine has only been available for medical personnel and children under five years in government hospitals free of charges.

Uganda is highly endemic with 10% national prevalence of hepatitis B infection, rates varying across the country from 4% in the southwest and 25% in the Northeast according to reports.

Addressing a massive rally at Kalere Primary School ground, the President said health is very crucial and urged people to check their blood so that they know their status and get immunized if not infected or get treated if infected by the virus. 

The President said children from one to thirteen years are safe because they have already been immunized and he says, he is only worried of the adults. He commended the Minister of Health, Elioda Tumwesigye for announcing that there will be vaccination of more than 15 million people against Hepatitis-B. 

The President later presented certificates to Sam Okurut and Jenifer Ariakut, who were immunized at the campaign rally.