Maldives Receives WHO Recognition for Effective Control of Hepatitis B
Photo: MV+
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that the Maldives has earned recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for successfully controlling Hepatitis B, today.
Maldives has been recognised by WHO today to have controlled Hepatitis B, based on the consistent high coverage of Hepatitis B vaccination for children for many years & the results of the recent Hepatitis B sero-survey which showed zero infections in school-children aged 6-7 yrs.advertisement
The WHO decision was influenced by the sustained high coverage of Hepatitis B vaccination among children over several years. Furthermore, the Hepatitis B serosurvey results revealed zero infections among schoolchildren aged 6-7 years.
The HPA highlighted that, alongside vaccination efforts, routine screening of pregnant women for Hepatitis B, treatment for positive pregnant women, and preventive therapy for infants born to positive mothers have collectively contributed to shielding children from Hepatitis B.
In acknowledging the achievement, the HPA expressed appreciation for the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals and the management of health facilities nationwide.
Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a liver infection that can lead to chronic conditions, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Transmission can occur through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen, and from a mother to her baby.
Preventative measures include a safe and effective vaccine administered soon after birth, with subsequent booster shots a few weeks later. This vaccine provides nearly 100 percent protection against the Hepatitis B virus.
