Minister: Strategic Approval for Viral Hepatitis Control and Inclusion of Vaccination in the Expanded Immunization Program
The Federal Ministry of Health, represented by the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases and Endoscopic and Surgical Services, along with its partners, celebrated World Hepatitis B Day at Al-Reeh Al-Turaifi Hall in Kassala City.
During his speech on the occasion, the acting Minister, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, highlighted the efforts made by various departments within the Ministry, particularly the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. He announced the approval of a strategic plan for viral hepatitis control, as well as the inclusion of hepatitis B vaccination in the Expanded Program on Immunization. He also mentioned the approval of a “zero-dose” project for newborns to protect infants, set to begin at the start of the coming year.
Dr. Haitham stated, “We will all support the health system; despite the challenges, we must continue until our country reaches safe shores.”
Ali Osman Alob, representative of the Kassala State Government, confirmed the mobilization of all available resources to combat the disease, especially in training and community awareness, and emphasized the state Ministry of Health’s commitment to facilitating and supporting these efforts. Alob also noted the capability of the Armed Forces to resolve the insurgency.
Shahad Al-Hussein, representative of the Director General of Health in Kassala, described hepatitis B as a “silent killer,” which has contributed to widespread ignorance and insufficient attention at both official and public levels. He highlighted the need for studies and research to determine the prevalence of the disease and provide proper testing and treatment, calling for joint action by ministries and organizations to combat it. He praised partners for their cooperation, which helped the country navigate a difficult period and prevented the collapse of the health system.
The WHO representative in Sudan commended Sudanese healthcare and medical staff working under challenging conditions, expressing gratitude for their services to citizens wherever they are, while noting the global spread of the disease.
Dr. Nizar Saidoun, representing the Sudanese Society for Gastroenterology, stated that the society has celebrated World Hepatitis Day for the past 10 years. He noted that this year’s celebration comes under difficult circumstances and highlighted the development and updating of guidelines and protocols for hepatitis management in cooperation with partners, as well as ambitious plans for raising awareness and training staff that were disrupted due to the war.
Dr. Abdelmonem Al-Tayeb, Director of the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, told the press following the celebration that July 28 is designated globally for World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness. He emphasized that the Ministry, through the Departments of Communicable Diseases and Primary Health Care, successfully implemented the National Strategy for Viral Hepatitis Control with the participation of specialized associations. Despite the ongoing war, efforts must continue.
The celebration in Kassala included the launch of awareness and vaccination services at six centers across western and eastern Kassala, targeting citizens with a focus on healthcare and medical staff, selected in coordination with the State Ministry of Health. Vaccination will begin on August 18 and continue until September 15 for the first dose, followed by the second and third doses.
Dr. Al-Tayeb also noted the successful application for the Global Fund to introduce the “zero-dose” at birth and to provide support for testing, vaccination, and treatment for pregnant women, which will begin soon.
