Health experts have called on employees of the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) to take proactive steps in protecting their health by going for regular medical screening and receiving vaccination against Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that remains a public health concern in Tanzania and worldwide.
The call was made by Dr. Johnson Katanga from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute during a health outreach programme held at PBPA headquarters in Dar es Salaam. The programme included health education, voluntary medical check-ups, and Hepatitis B vaccination services for staff.
Dr. Katanga emphasized that Hepatitis B is a “silent” disease in its early stages, meaning many people may be infected without showing symptoms.
He urged workers to take advantage of workplace health services to know their status early and prevent long-term complications.
He explained that the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three doses over a six-month period. The first dose is given after a person tests negative for the virus, followed by a second dose after one month, and the final dose after six months.
Dr. Katanga noted that Tanzania introduced the vaccine into its routine childhood immunization programme in 2002, meaning individuals born before that year are more likely to be unvaccinated and are encouraged to seek protection.
He warned that most people with Hepatitis B do not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.
When symptoms appear, they may include fatigue, abdominal pain on the upper right side, yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stool, and swelling in the abdomen or legs.
Dr. Katanga further explained that the virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, including from mother to child during childbirth, unprotected sexual contact, sharing sharp objects such as needles or blades, and unsafe blood transfusion.
He cited global health data indicating that about 254 million people are living with Hepatitis B worldwide, while Tanzania’s prevalence is estimated at around four percent.
He stressed that early testing and vaccination remain key tools in reducing new infections.
“If the disease is not detected early, a small percentage of infected individuals may develop chronic Hepatitis B, which can later lead to serious complications such as liver cancer,” he said.
On the employer’s side, PBPA Acting Human Resources Manager Mr. Matiko Sanawa said the initiative reflects government efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety in line with public service guidelines.
He referred to Public Service Circular No. 2 of 2014, which directs institutions to prioritize the health of employees as part of improving productivity and service delivery.
“As an employer, we are committed to ensuring our staff are healthy so they can perform their duties effectively and contribute to national development,” said Sanawa.
He added that inviting specialists from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute was part of PBPA’s broader strategy to promote preventive healthcare through regular awareness campaigns, medical screening, and vaccination.
The initiative aligns with the government’s wider agenda of strengthening preventive health services by encouraging early diagnosis and vaccination against both communicable and non-communicable diseases, with the aim of building a healthier and more productive workforce.
