Community Hepatitis Outreach
Kasese District, Uganda
2023
I can’t wait to stop the discrimination of people living with Hepatitis.
This two-day medical outreach aimed to raise awareness, screen, and link individuals to care for Hepatitis B, C, and D in Nyakayaga village, where knowledge and prevention of hepatitis remain limited. The campaign addressed critical gaps in Uganda’s public health response to viral hepatitis, which remains under-prioritized compared to other communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Objective
To raise awareness about Hepatitis B among rural communities, reduce stigma, promote screening and vaccination, and engage stakeholders for policy change.
Partners Involved
- CHIPO
- Bwera General Hospital
- Parliament of Uganda
- Kasese District Local Government
Key Activities
- Community Education Events: 4 sessions using “I Know Hepatitis B” materials in local languages.
- Table Talks: 4 small group discussions with young mothers and Hepatitis B ambassadors.
- Barazas (Community Dialogues): With local leaders, religious and cultural figures.
- Healthcare Worker Training: 2 sessions with 100 workers on HBV prevention and care.
- Media Outreach: Radio jingles (6 months), 3 radio shows, 1 TV appearance, social media posts (5,000+ reached).
- Support Group Launched: Bwera Women for Peace and Health Initiative to support positive mothers.
Key Results
- Raised awareness across over 100 villages.
- Created toll-free line for HBV support: +256 706 837769.
- Contributed to formation of Parliamentary Hepatitis Forum.
- Engaged 40 leaders and 100 health professionals.
- Participated in the development of Uganda’s National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2022–2026).
Challenges
- Low awareness and persistent stigma.
- Lack of local health education and follow-up services.
- Limited HBV testing kits and treatment access.
- Inadequate government funding for hepatitis programs.
Next Steps
- Expand campaign to other high-risk districts and fishing communities.
- Train more health workers and community activists.
- Finalize MoUs with the Parliamentary Hepatitis Forum.
- Strengthen local health systems with resources and staff.
- Continue community support through women-led initiatives.
Conclusion
This campaign has made significant progress in raising Hepatitis B awareness, reducing stigma, and influencing national policy. Continued engagement with local communities and government is key to ensuring lasting impact.