Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is preparing to introduce the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine in November 2026, targeting an estimated 355,363 newborns across the country.
The initiative marks an important step in the Government’s efforts to prevent Hepatitis B infection, particularly mother-to-child transmission, and protect children from chronic liver disease and liver cancer later in life.
Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ministry of Health, Dr Desmond Maada Kangbai, described the planned introduction as a major milestone for child health in Sierra Leone.
“The introduction of the Hepatitis B birth dose in November 2026 is a significant milestone for Sierra Leone. Our priority is to ensure that every newborn has the opportunity to receive this life-saving vaccine as early as possible after birth,” Dr Desmond Maada Kangbai said.
Hepatitis B is widely described as a silent infection because an infected person may show few or no symptoms for several years. However, children infected at birth or during early childhood face a much greater risk of developing chronic infection, which can eventually lead to severe liver disease, liver failure or liver cancer.
The World Health Organization recommends that all infants receive their first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. The early dose is particularly important because it helps prevent transmission of the virus from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Under the planned programme, every child born in Sierra Leone will be eligible to receive the birth-dose vaccine. The Ministry of Health aims to reach at least 95 percent of eligible newborns nationwide.
The vaccine will be incorporated into existing maternal, newborn and child health services, particularly in labour rooms and postnatal wards. Trained professional nurses will administer the vaccine as part of the essential care provided to newborns.
The initiative will also strengthen health education during antenatal care, enabling expectant mothers and their families to learn about Hepatitis B and understand the importance of ensuring that newborns receive the vaccine immediately after birth.
Dr Desmond Maada Kangbai called on parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, health workers and other community stakeholders to support the programme and help ensure that every eligible newborn is reached.
“We want parents, caregivers and community leaders to understand that the Hepatitis B birth dose is part of giving every child a healthy start in life. We are calling on families to ensure that their newborns receive the vaccine as recommended,” he stated.
The Hepatitis B vaccine has been used globally for decades and is considered highly effective. Completing the recommended vaccine series provides strong protection against the infection, with immunity potentially lasting throughout a person’s life.
Africa continues to carry a significant burden of Hepatitis B, while coverage of the birth-dose vaccine remains low in many countries despite the availability of an effective means of prevention.
For Sierra Leone, the November 2026 introduction represents more than the addition of another vaccine to the national immunisation programme. It is a long-term investment in preventing avoidable illness and deaths while safeguarding the health of future generations.
The programme will be integrated with essential newborn care and routine immunisation services, providing additional opportunities to improve access to other life-saving interventions at birth.
Behind the national target of 355,363 children are thousands of newborns, families and futures deserving of protection. The message from health authorities is clear: one dose at birth can provide lifelong protection, prevent Hepatitis B and help save the next generation.
