Hepatitis B Around the World
Updated July 26, 2023
Hepatitis B Around the World
Hepatitis B is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is the leading cause of liver cancer.
Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child is the leading cause of chronic infection.
If not vaccinated, 9 in 10 children infected with HBV at birth will progress to chronic infections.
The percentage of newborns given the shot of hepatitis B vaccine at birth in each region in 2022:
- Africa – 18%
- Eastern Mediterranean – 32%
- Europe – 42%
- Americas – 65%
- South-East Asia – 58%
- Western Pacific – 80%
The African Region has the highest number of hepatitis B infections in children and the fewest newborns given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Key to Eliminating HBV Infection?
Vaccinating babies within 24 hours of birth followed by 2-3 vaccinations within 6 months is the key to eliminating HBV infections.
Learn more about CDC’s hepatitis B global immunization efforts.
