By Emmanuel Mandella

A public health emergency may be looming in Western Equatoria State after startling results emerged from the ongoing hepatitis awareness and screening campaign led by the Azande Kingdom. Out of just 500 individuals tested in Yambio, more than 150 people have tested positive, a statistic that has sent shockwaves through the health sector.

The campaign, launched last month under the leadership of His Majesty King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, aims to combat the silent yet deadly disease through public awareness, free testing, and vaccination. With the numbers revealing a potentially widespread threat, state and local leaders are joining forces to escalate the response.

In a bid to contain the situation, the Government of Western Equatoria State, led by Acting Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, in collaboration with Yambio County Commissioner Col. Mbiko Barakati, announced a Mass Public Hepatitis Awareness, Testing, and Vaccination Day on Wednesday.

“This is not just a health initiative; it’s a call to save lives. The infection rate we are seeing is extremely concerning. If this trend holds across the wider population, we are looking at a serious public health crisis. Early detection and immediate vaccination are critical,” said Dr. Peter Siro, a health expert currently working under the Azande Kingdom’s campaign.

The campaign, which began last month in partnership with local health workers and the Azande Kingdom leadership, is part of a long-term plan to eliminate hepatitis as a threat to the community. It has already reached hundreds of residents, but this week’s mass campaign marks the largest single-day push so far.

For Joseph Apai Arkangelo, from the Azande Kingdom and a vocal community advocate the numbers are reason enough to press for the campaign.

“These numbers should alarm us all. Hepatitis is silent until it’s too late. I thank our King and the state leaders for acting swiftly. We must all take this seriously. I’ll be at Freedom Square on the 31st, and I urge every citizen of Western Equatoria to come with me.”

The upcoming campaign will feature awareness onHepatitis transmission, prevention methods, and treatment options. Medical professionals will be available for on-the-spot testing and vaccination, free of charge.

“Hepatitis is a silent killer but with knowledge, testing, and vaccines, we can defeat it,” said Dr. Siro, a local medic in the state.

The people of Yambio, Western Equatoria State, and beyond are encouraged to attend, get tested, and protect themselves and their loved ones. The message from the campaign, dubbed “Your health is your future protect it now,” aims to change the status from words to action.