Viral hepatitis is a major global health problem with more than 400 million patients chronically infected, causing over 1.4 million deaths per year. Nigeria is among the countries with a high burden of viral hepatitis with a Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence of 11% and 2.2%, respectively (FMOH 2013).
In Nigeria, 11.6% prevalence has been reported from Maiduguri among blood donors and pregnant women, 4.3% from Port Harcourt among pregnant women, 5.7% from Ilorin in mothers and their preschool children, 8.3% from Zaria among pregnant women, 17.1% from female sex workers in Nassarawa, 14.9% from healthy blood donors in Yola, and 25.7% among surgeons in Lagos. Health-care workers have a 3- to 5-fold higher prevalence of HBV than the general population, with surgeons and dentists having higher reported cases. (Olayinka A.T. et al 2016)
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily attacks the liver. Despite the existence of effective treatments, prevention remains the cornerstone of the fight against this disease. Understanding how Hepatitis B spreads and taking proactive steps to break the chain of transmission are crucial for safeguarding public health. Hepatitis B is mainly spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. Major routes of transmission include: Sharing needles or syringes with infected persons (injection drug use), accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings (Maha T. et al. 2003), mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth, tattoos and piercings with unsterile equipment and unprotected sexual contact with infected partners. The other (less common) is transmission through open sores or wounds.
Breaking the Chain of Transmission
Prevention of Hepatitis B depends on a multi-pronged approach:
● Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing infection with Hepatitis B. A safe and effective Hepatitis B vaccine is available and recommended for all infants, children, and adults. The vaccine is usually given in a series of shots.
● Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms consistently and correctly during all sexual exposures is important. Having open communication about sexual health history with sexual partners is important.
● Needle Safety: Proper disposal of needles and syringes is very important, especially for people who inject drugs. Universal precautions in health care settings should be followed stringently to avoid accidental needle sticks.
● Mother-to-Child Prevention: Newborns should be vaccinated immediately after birth.
Giving drugs to the mother during pregnancy can reduce the risk of transmission to the baby to a great extent (Jon J. 2023).
● Blood Safety: Stringent screening of blood donations ensures the safety of blood transfusions.
Overcoming Stigma and Encouraging Open Discussion.
Stigma related to Hepatitis B can be a barrier to prevention. It is important to counter misinformation and encourage the spread of accurate information about the transmission of Hepatitis B. Encourage open dialogue and understanding in communities, promote attitudes that are supportive and non-judgmental towards people living with Hepatitis B.
The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies
Pharmaceutical companies are also very important in the battle against Hepatitis B by:
Developing and manufacturing safe and effective vaccines
Conducting research to enhance treatment options for chronic Hepatitis B infection
Supporting public health initiatives that increase vaccination rates and improve access to care
Collaborating with healthcare professionals and public health organizations to raise awareness and promote strategies for prevention.
Conclusion
Hepatitis B is a preventable disease. Understanding the routes of transmission and taking effective prevention measures will drastically reduce the disease burden. Doing so through research, innovation, and collaborative effort may break the chain of transmission for a future without Hepatitis B.
References
Karen Gill, M.D., Jon J, Benefits of Hepatitis B vaccines for new born. 2023 May; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324136#vaccine
Olayinka AT, Oyemakinde A, Balogun MS, Ajudua A, Nguku P, Aderinola M, Egwuenu-Oladejo A, Ajisegiri SW, Sha’aibu S, Musa BO, Gidado S, Nasidi A. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection in Nigeria: A National Survey. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Oct 5;95(4):902-907. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0874. Epub 2016 Aug 15. PMID: 27527630; PMCID: PMC5062798.
Talaat M, Kandeel A, El-Shoubary W, Bodenschatz C, Khairy I, Oun S, Mahoney FJ. Occupational exposure to needlestick injuries and hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health care workers in Egypt. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Dec;31(8):469-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2003.03.003. PMID: 14647109.
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