Uganda has secured 500,000 doses of hepatitis B vaccines to tackle new infections among children and adults, according to the National Medical Stores (NMS).
The vaccines will be distributed across public health facilities nationwide, addressing a prolonged shortage due to global supply chain issues, particularly from the Serum Institute of India.
“Preparations are already underway for onward distribution to health facilities across the country,” said the NMS, a government agency mandated to procure, store, and distribute medicines and medical supplies to government-owned health facilities in Uganda.
Sheilla Nduhukire, NMS’s principal public relations officer, confirmed the vaccines have been restocked and distribution preparations are underway.
“Hepatitis B vaccines have been received and restocked at the NMS following a prolonged global shortage as communicated by the manufacturer, the Serum Institute of India,” said Nduhukire in a voice recording shared with the press.
In 2022, an estimated 1,250 Ugandans died of the disease, with about 6% of the population chronically infected.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation, is rolling out strategies to increase awareness, testing, and treatment.
Hepatitis B is a major health threat known to cause chronic liver infections, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and spreads through contact with infected blood and body fluids.
