The Importance of Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) Advocacy in Africa

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B, and the birth dose is crucial to protect newborns from infection.

In Africa, the prevalence of hepatitis B is high, with around 25% of the population infected. Mother-to-child transmission is one of the main routes of infection, and the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB-BD) is essential for interrupting this cycle.

HepB-BD protects newborns from hepatitis B infection, significantly reducing the risk of developing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. In addition, HepB-BD is safe and effective, with few side effects.

Despite the proven benefits of HepB-BD, vaccine coverage in Africa is still low. Several factors contribute to this low coverage, including lack of access to health services, lack of awareness about the importance of HepB-BD and financial barriers.

To increase HepB-BD coverage in Africa, strong advocacy is needed. Advocates can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of HepB-BD, promoting access to vaccination services and working to remove financial barriers.

Advocates can work with governments, health organisations and communities to develop and implement comprehensive vaccination programmes. They can also provide education and support to families, helping them to understand the benefits of HepB-BD and to ensure that their newborns are vaccinated.

In addition, advocates can work to ensure that HepB-BD is included in national immunisation programmes and that financial resources are allocated to support vaccination. By working together, advocates can help increase HepB-BD coverage in Africa and protect future generations from hepatitis B.

HepB-BD is an essential intervention to prevent hepatitis B in Africa. By increasing HepB-BD coverage, we can significantly reduce the burden of liver disease and improve the health and well-being of African populations.

Call for Proposals: Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) Advocacy in Africa

Find out more and sign up: https://www.globalhep.org/news-blogs/announcing-request-proposals-hepatitis-b-birth-dose-hepb-bd-advocacy-africa

Deadline: 10-10-2024