ISD – Adding Hepatitis B and C to the CAST+

Uganda Ministry of Health through the National TB and Leprosy Division started an innovative campaign known as CAST+ (Community Awareness, Screening and Testing) for primary prevention, control and treatment of TB, HIV, Malaria, WASH and Nutrition in selected districts.

The components of CAST+ include community sensitization and mobilization. Screening of the community members for TB, HIV and Malaria. Testing of presumed individuals for TB, HIV and Malaria, treatment of identified TB, HIV and Malaria patients, and provision of TB preventive services. Kuboresha-Africa Limited in partnership with the Hepatitis Technical Working Group and the National TB Programme has embraced the WHO recommendation to add Hepatitis B and C testing into the bi-annual CAST+ programme. Kuboresha-Africa Limited through her HEAD (Hepatitis Elimination Advocacy) Project has earmarked two districts of Kampala and Wakiso which have the highest HBV and C burden in Uganda.

Distribution of Hepatitis B Prevention in Wakiso District, Central Uganda

Wakiso District is estimated to have a population of 3,519,300 people, of which 2,832,800 live in urban areas, making it the most populated district in Uganda. Given the level and nature of services provided, these health care facilities were expected to offer hepatitis B vaccination services. In total, 4 general hospitals, 17 health Centre IVs, and 34 HCIIIs were selected. However, this information refers to only Wakiso District, the most populated District in Uganda.The challenge is that data on the National HCV Prevalence is not available, and most projects focusing on HCV begin with assumptions on the baseline.

In Uganda, the HBV infection is highly endemic, with a national prevalence of about 4.3%, although the distribution of the virus varies from region to region with the Central Region having the highest prevalence of HBV (Source: WHO-Uganda August 2024)

Kuboresha-Africa Limited is working to focus on HBV prevention, testing, and treatment through awareness creation among targeted communities, mitigating stigma associated with HBV and HIV and linking them to care.

The HEAD project also focuses on maternal and child health, taking pregnant mothers into consideration, ensuring that babies are vaccinated with a birth-dose within 24 hours of birth.