Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 25 November 2025 – Ethiopia has officially launched the national introduction of the Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB BD) vaccine, a major step toward strengthening newborn immunization and preventing mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus. The rollout is supported technically and financially by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and other immunization partners.
Hepatitis B remains a critical public health issue in Ethiopia, with mother-to-child transmission accounting for a significant share of chronic infections. Global evidence shows that up to 90% of infants infected at birth may develop lifelong disease. Timely administration of the birth dose vaccine within 24 hours of birth is proven to prevent lifelong infection and its associated complications, with countries adopting the vaccine recording substantial declines in childhood infection rates.
The rollout targets Ethiopia’s annual live birth cohort of approximately 3.8 million newborns, aiming initially for at least 80% national coverage. In preparation, a national Training of Trainers was conducted in Adama in August 2025, training over 100 Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Maternal and Child Health officers to lead regional introductions. Cascade trainings were subsequently conducted across subnational levels to ensure vaccine delivery, cold-chain management, data reporting, and effective newborn immunization.
Extensive technical assistance from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and other partners helped prioritize the HepB BD vaccine within Ethiopia’s national immunization agenda. Pilot programs in three regions identified operational gaps and informed the design of the national rollout. The Ministry of Health also developed standardized training manuals and provided technical input for Ethiopia’s vaccine funding applications. A recent National Readiness Assessment Tool score of 97% reflects the country’s preparedness for successful implementation.
State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma highlighted the importance of the vaccine, emphasizing that it protects newborns from a disease that could lead to lifelong complications and ensures Ethiopia now offers 15 routine vaccines. WHO Representative Dr. Francis Chisaka praised the initiative for safeguarding newborns and supporting healthier futures, while Gavi’s Senior Country Manager Emmanuella Baguma described it as a transformative moment for child health and health equity. UNICEF Representative Dr. Aboubacar Kampo stressed the critical importance of administering the birth dose within the first 24 hours to prevent chronic infection.
WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi will continue providing technical and financial support throughout the rollout, including supervision and follow-up Post Introduction Evaluations to assess implementation and identify areas for improvement. The launch of the Hepatitis B Birth Dose vaccine marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B and protect the health of future generations.
