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Performing Liver Transplant: The liver transplant initiative will include surgeries addressing complications of the liver, stomach, colon, pancreas, and bile ducts. (Courtesy Picture)
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HEALTH - The Society of Uganda Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SUGES) is on the verge of performing the first liver transplant in the East African region. “There are few countries performing liver transplants, so we will be the first in East Africa, and we are ready,” stated Dr. Michael Okello, president of SUGES.
The liver transplant initiative will include surgeries addressing complications of the liver, stomach, colon, pancreas, and bile ducts. SUGES unites specialists from various hospitals in Uganda, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, St. Francis Nsambya, Rubaga, and Mengo Hospitals, all with the goal of reducing outbound medical tourism.
Speaking at the recently concluded 5th SUGES symposium held at Kabira Country Club in Kampala, Dr. Okello highlighted the society’s preparedness. “We have the infrastructure, human resources, and are collaborating with an Indian medical team to make this a reality.”
Building capacity and infrastructure
In 2017, Uganda’s health ministry sponsored a team of 15 surgeons to undergo specialized training in India. Following their training, these surgeons were registered by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council. Mulago National Referral Hospital has since invested in a transplant theater and equipment, while Rubaga Hospital has constructed a new transplant theater at a cost of UGX 1 billion.
“All we are waiting for is the Ministry of Health to establish a transplant council,” said Okello.
Liver Transplant Machine (Courtesy Picture)
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, noted that liver transplants align with Uganda’s long-term healthcare aspirations. “The health ministry is finalizing the transplant council, which will supervise facilities to ensure compliance with legal standards,” Olaro added. This initiative is expected to ease the backlog of liver disease patients on waiting lists and reduce costs associated with seeking treatment abroad.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, stated that after its recent renovations, the hospital is equipped to support various organ transplants, including liver transplants. Mulago recently performed its first kidney transplant, and Byanyima noted that Mulago’s specialized transplant ICUs and HDUs are ready for future liver transplant cases.
Regional need for liver transplants
Prof. Moses Galukande, President of the Association of Surgeons of Uganda and Professor of Surgery at Makerere University, remarked that this intervention is timely, as many Ugandans with liver disease cannot afford treatment abroad. Only a few African centers, including facilities in South Africa and Egypt, currently perform liver transplants.
Rising incidence of liver disease
Experts have raised concerns over the increasing number of liver disease cases in Uganda, often attributed to factors like Hepatitis B and C, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Dr. Anthony Ocanit, General Physician at Kiruddu Hospital, highlighted that seven out of 10 liver disease cases stem from excessive alcohol use, which has contributed to Uganda’s high ranking in global alcohol consumption rates.
Fatty liver complications often go undiagnosed until advanced stages due to delayed health-seeking behaviors. In addition to alcohol-related liver damage, hepatitis remains a significant contributor to liver disease, with the Hepatitis B virus responsible for four out of 10 cases.
In 2022, Uganda reported over 1.1 million cases of Hepatitis B, with nearly 5,500 new cases and 1,683 deaths, according to the Global Hepatitis B Report.
Preventive measures and awareness
Dr. Ocanit urged Ugandans with Hepatitis B to encourage close contacts to get screened, and those who test negative should be vaccinated. He also advised pregnant women to screen for Hepatitis B, stressing the importance of vaccinating newborns to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Additionally, the public is encouraged to engage in regular exercise and to consume alcohol in moderation.
With two million annual deaths globally from liver-related diseases, Uganda’s first liver transplant marks a critical step toward addressing the growing healthcare needs of the nation.
Torch Media Africa
