Uganda is intensifying efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, but gaps in hepatitis B vaccination, diagnosis and treatment continue to pose challenges, according to presentations by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The presentations highlighted progress in expanding screening and prevention services while calling for increased investment in vaccination, diagnostic services, medicines and patient follow-up to ensure that more people living with viral hepatitis receive appropriate care.

Dr Kagwa Mugaga of WHO outlined the global targets for eliminating viral hepatitis, including reducing new chronic hepatitis B and C infections by 90% and hepatitis-related deaths by 65% by 2030, compared with 2015 levels.

He emphasised the need to expand vaccination, improve access to diagnosis and treatment, strengthen blood transfusion and injection safety, and improve disease surveillance to prevent new infections and reduce avoidable deaths.

Uganda has introduced several measures to strengthen its national hepatitis response. According to the Ministry of Health presentation, hepatitis B vaccination was incorporated into routine infant immunisation in 2002, followed by the introduction of free testing, treatment and vaccination services in 2015. National hepatitis B and C management guidelines were introduced in 2019 to guide the delivery of care.

The country has also made progress in integrating hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis screening into antenatal care. The presentation indicated that approximately 150,000 women are screened quarterly through this integrated approach, providing an opportunity to identify infections during pregnancy and link affected women to appropriate services.

However, the figures presented by the Ministry point to significant gaps in hepatitis prevention and treatment. Only 13 of Uganda's 146 districts have achieved at least 80% coverage of the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine, highlighting the need to expand protection for newborns.

The presentation also indicated that only about 30% of people who test positive for hepatitis B are enrolled in care. Among pregnant women who tested positive, just 32% had started treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

These gaps could undermine efforts to reduce new infections, particularly among newborns and other vulnerable populations. Timely hepatitis B vaccination at birth is an important preventive measure, while screening during pregnancy helps identify women who may need interventions to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to their babies.

In September 2025, Uganda launched the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine as part of its national immunisation programme, with the vaccine intended to be administered within the first 24 hours after birth. The rollout is an important step in strengthening protection against infection, although reaching more newborns on time remains a challenge. WHO has also highlighted the importance of vaccination, testing, treatment and public awareness in Uganda's hepatitis response.

To address the remaining gaps, the Ministry of Health identified several priority areas for investment, including reliable supplies of screening kits and medicines, expanded access to viral load testing, stronger patient follow-up systems and increased community awareness.

Improving access to testing alone will not be sufficient unless people who receive positive results can also access further assessment, treatment when indicated and continued monitoring. Strengthening referral systems and follow-up could help ensure that more patients remain connected to care.

Uganda's progress towards the 2030 hepatitis elimination targets will depend on sustained government investment, collaboration with development partners and wider access to vaccination, screening and treatment services.

The Ministry has called for continued efforts to strengthen the health system and close existing service gaps so that people diagnosed with viral hepatitis can receive appropriate care. Expanding timely newborn vaccination and improving the link between diagnosis and treatment will remain important parts of the country's efforts to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis.