Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a potentially deadly infection of the liver that kills about 500,000 to 700,000 people each year, mostly in developing countries. The virus is spread perinatally from an infected mother to her infant at birth, from child to child, through unsafe injections and transfusions, and through sexual contact. Currently, there is no effective treatment for the disease. Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be about 95 percent protective against the disease when used correctly.
More about hepatitis B | View resources on hepatitis B
Key resources
Hepatitis
A section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website that provides links to activities, reports, news, and events related to hepatitis, as well as links to partners working on hepatitis surveillance and vaccine introduction.
The Hepatitis B Foundation
The website for a US-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to the cause and cure of hepatitis B through research, education, and patient advocacy.
Hepatitis B Immunization (2001)
A fact sheet from WHO on policies and practices for the introduction of hepatitis B vaccine into national immunization services.
Featured PATH resources
Immunizing Children Against Hepatitis B (2006)
A unique training module designed for easy adaptation to specific national programs, featuring key technical content; quizzes, role plays, and creative ideas for trainers; and a handout for parents.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Introduction: Lessons Learned in Advocacy, Communication, and Training (2001)
A summary of lessons learned as a result of over ten years of experience introducing hepatitis B vaccine worldwide.
