• Post By: Mukuye Ashiraf
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• 07^th November, 2025

Report on Hepatitis B Awareness & Triple Elimination Strategies – Mbarara

Date: 04 November 2025

Location: Hotel Triagle, Mbarara City, Uganda

Introduction

Liver Health Foundation continues to champion Hepatitis B awareness, prevention, and treatment in Uganda. In Mbarara, we presented key insights and strategies to support Uganda’s National Elimination Plan III for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B — also known as the Triple Elimination Initiative.

This report summarizes the key messages shared, examples of successful initiatives, identified barriers, and recommended strategies to strengthen retention and program outcomes.

Empowering Individuals Living with Hepatitis B

Individuals play a vital role in the elimination of Hepatitis B. Key steps recommended include:

1. Get Tested and Know Your Status: Early testing enables timely interventions, reducing the risk of liver complications and transmission.

2. Adhere to Treatment: For those diagnosed, strict adherence to prescribed therapy is critical for managing viral load and preventing liver damage.

3. Practice Safe Sex: Using protection during sexual activity reduces the risk of transmission to partners.

4. Get Vaccinated: Vaccination, particularly for newborns, is crucial to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

5. Join Support Groups: Peer networks provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.

6. Raise Awareness: Sharing accurate information within communities helps reduce stigma and promotes prevention.

7. Advocate for Policy Change: Supporting initiatives that increase funding and resources for Hepatitis B prevention and treatment strengthens national elimination efforts.

Successful Initiatives in Uganda

• Triple Elimination Conference: Uganda hosted Africa’s first conference integrating HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis, bringing together policymakers, health experts, and community leaders to accelerate elimination efforts.

• Hepatitis B Vaccination Campaigns: Mass vaccination drives and routine immunization programs have improved coverage and protection against Hepatitis B.

• Community Engagement Initiatives: Community-based programs promote awareness, testing, and support for affected individuals, effectively complementing national health strategies.

Barriers to Triple Elimination

Despite progress, several challenges impede the achievement of Triple Elimination goals:

• Limited District Health Team Engagement: Inadequate local leadership involvement affects service quality.

• Inadequate Financing: Insufficient funding for integrating Hepatitis B and Syphilis services into HIV and maternal-child health programs.

• Health Workforce Shortages: Limited number of trained health workers and skill gaps in service delivery.

• Stock-outs of Essential Medicines and Commodities: Intermittent availability of vaccines, testing kits, and treatments.

• Negative Health Worker Attitudes: Low motivation and limited skills among some staff hinder service provision.

• Inadequate Supervision: Community health workers often lack sufficient oversight.

• Systemic Barriers: Heavy reporting requirements, incomplete data capture, and inadequate reporting tools reduce efficiency.

• Socio-Cultural Constraints: Service delivery models do not always align with the needs of target populations; demand generation remains limited.

• Funding Constraints: Recent funding suspensions may slow progress toward elimination targets.

Addressing these barriers requires sustained efforts to strengthen health systems, improve financing, and enhance community engagement.

Strategies to Enhance Retention and Program Success

To improve retention and outcomes in the Triple Elimination initiative, the following strategies were recommended:

1. Strengthen Health Systems: Improve infrastructure, logistics, and supply chains to ensure consistent availability of essential commodities.

2. Train Healthcare Workers: Provide continuous capacity-building to enhance skills in managing triple elimination services.

3. Community Engagement: Foster awareness and involvement through outreach programs, education, and social mobilization.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust systems to track progress, identify gaps, and support data-driven decision-making.

5. Patient-Centered Services: Offer tailored services, including youth-friendly and confidential care.

6. Retention Strategies:

   • Personalized support: reminders, counseling, and follow-up.

   • Incentives for adherence to treatment and appointments.

   • Community-based service delivery through health workers.

7. Collaboration and Partnerships: Coordinate efforts among governments, health providers, and community organizations to leverage expertise and resources.

8. Data-Driven Decisions: Use collected data to inform interventions and improve retention and health outcomes.

Conclusion

The session in Mbarara emphasized the critical role of individuals, communities, and health systems in achieving Uganda’s Triple Elimination goals. By increasing awareness, improving access to vaccination and treatment, and addressing systemic barriers, Uganda can advance toward a future free from HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.

Liver Health Foundation remains committed to supporting national initiatives, strengthening community engagement, and advocating for sustainable health strategies to achieve these ambitious targets.

Reported by:
Mr. Mukuye Ashiraf
📍 Strengthening Liver Health in Uganda and East Africa