Moroto.
The Uganda peoples Defence Force doctors have joined other health officers in Karamoja region trying to contain the escalating Hepatitis B.
The UPDF doctors are currently targeting institutions such as schools where they do sensitization programs, testing of students, teachers and vaccinate those who are not affected by the virus.
The disease has hit the region with Moroto regional referral hospital receiving a total of 175 people weekly who voluntarily go for the test.
Capt Isac Owera, the UPDF 3rd division Spokesperson, said it is the force’s mandate to serve its citizens at all levels.
“As UPDF we are the people of Uganda’s army so anything that affects the lives of our people UPDF comes in to fight against it,” he said.
According to Dr. Filbert Nyeko, the Moroto regional hospital director, out of 700 people who turned up for the test last month, 15% of them were positive.
“The disease is there and we need a collective effort to stop it,” he said.
Dr. Nyeko hailed the UPDF doctors to fight against the virus saying more effort was needed to rescue the lives of the people from the disease.
Dr. Nyeko said the regional referral hospital was considering opening a clinic to handle Hepatitis B cases. He said those who will be tested positive will get treatment from the clinic.
Fr. John Bosco Kutegana, the head teacher of Moroto high school, where the UPDF doctors conducted tests told daily monitor that out of
1700 students 50 of them were tested positive.
World health organisation defines hepatitis B as a virus that infects the liver; it sometimes causes a long-term infection, called chronic Hepatitis B. Over time, it can damage the liver. It spreads through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.
Last year several youth in Karamoja failed to join UPDF after they were screened by UPDF medical team and were found to be suffering from Hepatitis B.
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