Kigali, 2 January 2026. Rwanda Introduces Universal Hepatitis B Birth Dose into the national routine immunization program. This intervention ensures that every newborn in Rwanda receives a dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, protecting infants from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its lifelong complications.
Hepatitis B is a highly infectious viral disease that can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. When the infection occurs at birth, up to 95% of the infected infants develop chronic hepatitis B, which significantly increases risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. The birth dose vaccine is the most effective and cost-effective intervention to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Globally, 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B. Viral hepatitis causes over one million deaths each year, mainly from liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Rwanda has made significant progress in hepatitis prevention and control through strong immunization systems, widespread screening, and free access to treatment. National data show a low hepatitis B prevalence (approximately 0.26%), reflecting successful public health interventions. Introduction of the universal birth dose further strengthens Rwanda’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
To effectively facilitate a smooth transition, Health facilities countrywide are well equipped to provide the vaccine within 24 hours of birth, including for babies born outside health facilities; and health workers have received training, and cold chain systems have been reinforced to ensure vaccine safety and availability.
Rwanda Biomedical Centre urges health workers, parents, communities, and partners to support this initiative by ensuring all newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose on time.
Together, we can protect every child and secure a hepatitis-free future for Rwanda.
Vaccines save lives
For Media Enquiries email us via healthcommunication@rbc.gov.rw
#End