Uganda has officially added the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine to its national immunization schedule, a move Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng described as the single most effective tool to prevent mother to child transmission of the virus.

The vaccine was launched on Friday, September 5th, 2025, at Acholibur Secondary School in Pader District, in commemoration of World Hepatitis Day 2025.

Dr. Aceng emphasized that the birth dose must be administered within 24 hours of delivery for maximum protection.

“Administering the Hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours of birth is the most effective way to prevent mother to child transmission of the Hepatitis B virus,” the health minister stated.

“I call upon all parents, caregivers, and health workers to embrace this life-saving vaccine and ensure all children are vaccinated in a timely manner,” she added.

Hepatitis B is one of Uganda’s leading causes of liver cirrhosis and cancer, with many chronic cases traced back to infections acquired at birth.

By rolling out the vaccine nationwide, the Ministry of Health hopes to protect infants from their first day of life and reduce the disease burden significantly.

The launch drew health officials, local leaders, development partners, and community members. Activities included educational skits, testimonies from affected families, and free hepatitis screening services.

Dr. Aceng hailed the birth dose as a breakthrough in Uganda’s fight against viral hepatitis and a critical step toward meeting the global goal of eliminating Hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030.

With the inclusion of the Hepatitis B birth dose, Uganda joins the global push to protect the next generation from one of the deadliest viral infections.

Health officials say the success of this initiative will depend on timely vaccination and community participation, marking a decisive step toward a hepatitis free future.