Eswatini is strengthening its fight against Hepatitis through expanded screening, vaccination and public awareness campaigns,
with the Ministry of Health urging more EmaSwati to know their status after thousands accessed free screening services across the country.
The latest screening results show that 26 422 people have been tested for Hepatitis B, reflecting growing public participation in preventive healthcare. 
Of those screened, 1 240 people tested positive and have been identified for further medical care and long-term management.
Meanwhile, two people tested positive for Hepatitis C from about 455 people screened.
The figures were highlighted as Eswatini joined the global community in commemorating World Hepatitis Day, with health authorities emphasising that early detection is helping to protect lives by identifying infections before they develop into serious liver disease.
Speaking during Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health’s STI and Viral Hepatitis Focal Person,
Mpumelelo Mavimbela, said the country’s continued investment in screening and vaccination is strengthening efforts to reduce the burden of Hepatitis.
He said Hepatitis B often develops silently, making routine screening one of the most effective ways to prevent complications.
“Many people do not experience symptoms until the disease has already caused damage to the liver.
Screening allows us to detect the infection early and begin treatment before serious complications develop,” said Mavimbela.
He explained that chronic Hepatitis B can remain in the body for many years before progressing to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
However, early diagnosis enables healthcare workers to monitor patients closely and provide treatment that helps them live healthy and productive lives.
Mavimbela encouraged sexually active adults, healthcare workers and people who may be exposed to blood to utilise the screening and vaccination services available at health facilities across the country.
He said the Ministry is also reinforcing efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission by screening pregnant women during antenatal care and providing appropriate treatment where necessary.
In another positive step, plans are underway to introduce a birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, ensuring newborn babies receive immediate protection against the virus soon after birth.
While Hepatitis C can be cured through treatment, Mavimbela said chronic Hepatitis B can be effectively managed when diagnosed early, allowing patients to avoid severe liver complications and maintain a good quality of life.
The Ministry has encouraged emaSwati to continue embracing preventive healthcare by screening regularly for Hepatitis,
HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, while adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.
