The urgency of the campaign, expected to start from Yambio County, comes in the wake of multiple deaths linked to Hepatitis B in Western Equatoria State

By Emmanuel Mandella

In a strategic move to combat the silent killer plaguing communities, the Azande Kingdom on Tuesday launched a training session for its staff and key community stakeholders focused on the prevention and management of Hepatitis B, a disease that continues to claim young people’s lives in Western Equatoria State.

The training, held at the Kingdom’s Secretariat headquarter in Yambio, brought together church leaders, women and youth representatives, Ministry of Education officials, and kingdom staff.

The campaign is spearheaded by Elder Siro Peter David, the acting Minister of Health in the Kingdom. The initiative marks the first phase of a 20-day awareness campaign set to kick off on July 1, targeting schools, churches and villages across Yambio County.

“We are committed to protecting the future of our people, hepatitis B is a deadly disease. We must fight it together. The kingdom cannot do it alone we call upon the state government, the church, and especially the youth to join this effort,” said Roto Anibiapai, the Kingdom’s acting Prime Minister.

He further stressed the importance of unity, love, and community involvement in addressing the health crisis. He urged young people to avoid harmful behaviors that expose them to infection and challenged the church to become a louder voice in raising awareness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 257 million people globally are living with chronic Hepatitis B, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. In South Sudan, limited access to health education and early diagnosis has worsened the situation, particularly in Western Equatoria State.

Mr. Peter explained that the campaign will start in Yambio County before expanding to other affected regions.

“We want to go where the people are. We will go to the schools, churches, and community gathering points. This disease has taken enough of our sons and daughters. We must act now.”

The urgency of the campaign comes in the wake of multiple deaths linked to Hepatitis B in Western Equatoria. Earlier this year, Ezo County authorities raised concerns over the surge in infections, especially among the youth.

Among those lost were Charles Wote, a renowned journalist who was working with Eye Radio, Denis Morris, former manager of Sama FM in Juba, and Isaac Miskin, all of whom succumbed to complications from Hepatitis B in 2025 plus more others.

Health experts warn that Hepatitis B can be prevented through early vaccination, regular screening, and safe practices, yet public awareness remains dangerously low in many parts of the country.

“This training is more than a workshop it’s a life-saving mission,” said Mary Taban, a youth representative who participated in the session. “It’s time we take health education seriously, especially in the rural areas where the disease spreads quietly.”

The Azande Kingdom’s initiative aligns with South Sudan’s National Hepatitis Strategic Plan, which emphasizes community mobilization and inter-sectorial collaboration to tackle the disease.

The Kingdom is now calling on the Ministry of Health, NGOs, and international partners like WHO and UNICEF to support the grassroots campaign, providing materials, screening kits, and logistical help to ensure the message reaches every corner of the state.

In his final remarks Mr. Peter said, “If you or someone you know is at risk, visit your nearest health center for screening and vaccination. Hepatitis is preventable. Awareness is the first step to ending it”.