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:
- Americas 66%
- Europe 39%
- Eastern Mediterranean 22%
- Africa 10%
- South-East Asia 34%
- Western Pacific 83%
The African Region has the highest number of hepatitis B infections in children and the fewest newborn given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Only 9 of 47 countries in the African Region vaccinate babies against HBV when they are born.
Key to elimination HBV infection?
Vaccinating babies within 24 hours after birth
Followed by 3-4 vaccinations within 6 months
Learn more about CDC’s global immunization efforts: www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/immunization/
