Citizens across the country have been urged to take precautions against hepatitis, including getting vaccinated against this disease, with a strong emphasis that the Tanzanian government is putting significant effort into combating this dangerous illness.
This statement was made by Health Minister Dr. Jenista Mhagama on July 28, 2025, while addressing the public through media outlets in Ruvuma during World Hepatitis Day.
"The Sixth Phase Government, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, continues to make strides in providing treatment and preventive services against Hepatitis. Currently, testing and treatment services are available at all Regional Referral Hospitals, as well as at the National Hospital of Muhimbili," Dr. Mhagama said.
"The health service centers, starting from District Hospitals, Health Centers, and Dispensaries, will continue to conduct Hepatitis testing and refer patients for treatment, while government plans are in place to empower these facilities to provide comprehensive services." she added.
The statistics shows that from the HIV research (2022/2023) indicate that the prevalence of Hepatitis is at 3.5% for Hepatitis B and 0.2% for Hepatitis C, a decrease from the figures reported in the HIV research ( 2016/17), which showed 4% for Hepatitis B and 1% for Hepatitis C.
She pointed out that the reduction in Hepatitis infections is a collective effort between the government and health sector stakeholders who are engaged in the fight against this disease, aiming for a global goal of eradicating it by 2030.
"In our country, the government provides free Hepatitis B vaccinations for infants, and Hepatitis B vaccines for adults are available at health service centers on a cost-sharing basis," Dr. Mhagama