According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the new intervention ensures that every baby born in Rwanda receives a dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a critical window for preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Hepatitis B is a highly infectious viral disease that can be passed from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. Health experts warn that when infection occurs at birth, up to 95 per cent of affected infants go on to develop chronic Hepatitis B, significantly increasing their risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. The birth dose vaccine is widely recognised as the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent such transmission.
Globally, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B, while viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year, largely due to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
RBC noted that the country has already made notable progress in hepatitis prevention and control through strong immunisation systems, widespread screening and free access to treatment. National data indicate a low Hepatitis B prevalence of approximately 0.26 per cent, reflecting the impact of sustained 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," the centre said in a statement on Friday, January 2, 2026.
To support the rollout, health facilities across the country have been equipped to administer the vaccine within 24 hours of birth, including for babies born outside health facilities. Health workers have also received targeted training, while cold chain systems have been strengthened to ensure vaccine safety and consistent availability.
RBC has called on health workers, parents, communities and partners to support the initiative by ensuring that all newborns receive the Hepatitis B birth dose on time.
The centre said the new measure underscores the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health, emphasising that vaccines save lives and remain a cornerstone of disease prevention.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
