18/02/2026
: Hepatitis B Is a Silent Killer — South Sudan Must Wake Up
Hepatitis B continues to silently destroy lives in South Sudan. Many of our brothers and sisters are dying from liver failure and liver cancer caused by this preventable disease. As a fifth-year Medical Student at the University of Bahr El Ghazal, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, I feel deeply concerned and compelled to speak out.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. What makes it more dangerous is that it can live in the body for many years without showing symptoms. A person may look healthy while the virus is slowly damaging the liver. By the time signs such as yellow eyes, abdominal swelling, or severe weakness appear, the condition may already be advanced.
In South Sudan, the virus spreads mainly through unprotected s*xual in*******se, contact with infected blood, sharing sharp objects like razors and needles, and from mother to child during childbirth. Lack of awareness, limited screening, and cultural silence around s*xual health have allowed the virus to spread widely in our communities.
The painful truth is that many of these deaths could be prevented.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and available. Every South Sudanese who has not been vaccinated should visit a health facility and receive the full course of the vaccine. Parents must ensure their children are fully vaccinated according to the immunization schedule.
Equally important is practicing safe s*x. Using protection during s*xual in*******se significantly reduces the risk of transmission. We must normalize conversations about protection, testing, and responsible s*xual behavior. Protecting yourself is not a sign of mistrust — it is a sign of responsibility.
I urge young people, community leaders, churches, schools, and health professionals to intensify awareness campaigns. Testing should become routine, not something people fear. Knowing your status can save your life and protect others.
