Health Experts Raise Alarm Over Rising Hepatitis B Cases in Lango

By Dickens Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

Health experts in the Lango sub-region have raised concern over the increasing number of Hepatitis B infections, warning that the disease is becoming a growing public health threat in the region.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Wa, Dr. Andrew Odur said the rising prevalence of Hepatitis B in Northern Uganda calls for urgent public awareness, regular screening, and vaccination efforts.

Dr. Odur explained that Hepatitis exists in five major forms — Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — with Hepatitis B remaining the most common type in Uganda.

According to the acting director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, the national prevalence rate of Hepatitis B currently stands at 4.1 percent, while Northern Uganda records a slightly higher prevalence of 4.6 percent.

He further revealed that the Lango sub-region alone has a prevalence rate estimated between 4 and 4.3 percent, a trend he described as worrying for the health sector in the region.

“Lira Regional Referral Hospital receives at least one Hepatitis B patient every day for treatment and management,” Dr. Odur noted.

He explained that Hepatitis B primarily attacks the liver and can lead to severe complications, including liver failure, if not detected and managed early.

Dr. Odur added that the disease is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

To reduce new infections and complications associated with the disease, the health expert emphasized the importance of routine screening, early treatment, and vaccination against Hepatitis B.

Statistics shared by Dr. Odur indicate that nearly 2 billion people worldwide have been exposed to Hepatitis B, while an estimated 257 million people are currently living with the infection globally. He added that the disease causes approximately 399,000 deaths every year worldwide.

Health experts are now urging the public, especially people in high-risk groups, to prioritize testing and vaccination as part of efforts to curb the spread of Hepatitis B and prevent severe liver-related illnesses in the Lango sub-region and across Uganda.

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