Maldives controls Hepatitis B

Maldives has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have controlled Hepatitis B.

In a post on X, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the WHO gave the recognition on Wednesday.

The UN health agency made the decision based on the consistent high coverage of Hepatitis B vaccination for children for many years, and the results of the recent Hepatitis B serosurvey, which showed zero infections in schoolchildren aged 6-7 years.

HPA said that in addition to vaccination, regular screening of pregnant women for Hepatitis B, treatment for positive pregnant women, and preventive therapy in infants born to positive mothers all contribute to protection of children from Hepatitis B.

“We recognize and applaud the work of all healthcare professionals and management of health facilities across the nation, whose tireless efforts have led to the recognition achieved today,” said the HPA.

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

It can cause a chronic infection, and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The vaccine is usually given soon after birth, with boosters a few weeks later. It offers nearly 100 percent protection against the virus.