Hepatitis B Around The World
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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 2020:
- Americas – 60%
- Africa – 6%
- Europe – 41%
- Eastern Mediterranean – 35%
- South East Asia – 51%
- Western Pacific – 84%
The African Region has the highest number of hepatitis B infections in children and the fewest newborn given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
The 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 global immunization efforts: www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/
