Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem affecting approximately 2 billion people worldwide. An estimated 350 million live with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and are at an increased risk for serious liver sequelae and death from acute or chronic consequences of CHB infection. Individuals with CHB have a 20-30% risk of early death from complications, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the Asia-Pacific region, half of the CHB burden results from vertical or mother-to-child transmission, with early childhood horizontal transmission accounting for the remaining half. Screening and vaccination are key factors in the successful prevention and control of HBV infection. Over the last 20 years, the implementation of screening programs and universal HBV vaccination for all individuals born in endemic areas have reduced the prevalence of HBV infection and HBV-related liver diseases among individuals younger than 30 years. Women of childbearing age are key stakeholders in preventing HBV infection and, as such, play a critical role in reducing the vertical and horizontal transmission of HBV. Further efforts are needed to implement screening and educational programs for women of childbearing age, particularly those with CHB, to prevent the transmission of HBV to newborns, spouses, other household members, and sexual partners. In addition, healthcare workers need to learn how to avoid iatrogenic transmission in the healthcare setting. This article reviews these issues and highlights areas in which their engagement with public health efforts serves to improve quality of life and society as a whole.