A Hepatitis-B free future

The NHS has been a key topic of national debate during the current election campaign.

As Christmas approaches, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful service available to us in the UK. Unfortunately healthcare provision in Uganda is far less well organised or funded - and as a result there are numerous health risks facing the children in our care.

One such risk is Hepatitis B, which affects 10% of Uganda’s adult population. Spread by blood products and also sexually transmitted, it can cause acute illness resulting in liver failure with a high mortality rate. More commonly it leads to long term liver damage, resulting in cirrhosis, and can increase the risk of liver cancer.

When present alongside HIV infection, the risk of complications from Hepatitis B are markedly increased. It is extremely difficult to effectively treat and the best way of dealing with the disease is preventative immunisation. As a result Hepatitis B immunisation is strongly encouraged in Uganda.

We are looking to provide an immunisation programme to the children in our care to coincide with the start of the new school year in Uganda (January). Would you (or someone you know) be willing to support this programme?

Immunisation requires a course of three injections - in Uganda this costs £20 in total. So paying for one child to be immunised would cost less than a round of drinks at your office Christmas party.