Rwanda has begun administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborn babies to strengthen their immunity and protect them from the disease. The initiative was announced by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in a press release released on Friday, January 2, 2026. According to RBC, Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. Many people living with the disease were infected at birth through transmission from their mothers. RBC explained that when infection occurs during childbirth, about 95 percent of affected children develop chronic liver disease, which can later result in

Rwanda has begun administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborn babies to strengthen their immunity and protect them from the disease. The initiative was announced by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in a press release released on Friday, January 2, 2026. According to RBC, Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. Many people living with the disease were infected at birth through transmission from their mothers. RBC explained that when infection occurs during childbirth, about 95 percent of affected children develop chronic liver disease, which can later result in severe complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Under the new program, the Hepatitis B vaccine will be given to newborns within 24 hours of birth. RBC noted that early vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. “The birth dose vaccine is the most effective and cost-effective intervention to prevent mother-to-child transmission,” the statement said. To ensure effective implementation, RBC reported that all health facilities across the country have been equipped with the necessary infrastructure and materials to store and administer the vaccine. Measures have also been put in place to reach children born outside health facilities. In addition, health workers have received training on proper vaccine administration. Globally, more than 296 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B. The World Health Organization estimates that the disease causes over one million deaths each year, mainly due to liver cancer and cirrhosis. In Rwanda, about 0.26 percent of the population is affected by Hepatitis B. The country has made notable progress in the fight against liver diseases through routine immunization, widespread screening, and free treatment. The Government of Rwanda has set a target to eliminate Hepatitis B by 2030.

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