Health minister launches Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) vaccine

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The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, on Friday launched the Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) vaccine.

This new intervention is designed to protect newborns from Hepatitis B, a serious infection that can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Dr Aceng noted that, with support from partners, the Ministry of Health has now integrated the HepB-BD into the national immunisation schedule.

The launch, held at Acholi Bur Secondary School in Pader District, was conducted under the theme: “Let’s Break the Cycle.”

The HepB-BD vaccine will be administered to newborns within the first 24 hours of birth, a critical step in reducing the risk of lifelong infection.

During the event, Benson Opiyo, Acting District Health Officer of Pader, shared results from a recent outreach program where more than 5,300 people were screened, with 244 testing positive—a 5% infection rate, above the national average of 4.1%.

The exercise also saw over 1,000 individuals vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Meanwhile, George Openythyo, Commissioner of Community Health at the Ministry, acknowledged persistent challenges.

He pointed out that in some districts, prevalence rates reach up to 10%, and many people remain unaware of their infection until it is too late.