World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is an important public health problem in the Western Pacific Region. There are an estimated 158 million chronic carriers and about 300 000 deaths annually mainly from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Universal childhood immunization—three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, with the first dose given within 24 hours of birth—is considered to be the most effective method for hepatitis B control.

Fact sheets

News and press releases

13 October 2011
WHO's governing body reviews state of preventable diseases in the Western Pacific
[full text]

27 July 2011
WHO vows to knock down hepatitis B
[full text]

14 October 2010
Despite substantial progress, lapses threaten regional immunization goals
[full text]

[more news]

Relevant publications and documents

First Hepatitis B Expert Resource Panel (ERP) Consultation

Western Pacific Regional Plan for Hepatitis B Control Through Immunization
A regional plan for hepatitis B control through immunization was first published in January 2003, and later updated in December 2007. In September 2005, the Western Pacific Region became the first WHO Region to set a time-bound goal of reducing chronic HBV infection rates to less than 2% among five-year-old children by 2012. For countries to achieve that goal, key programmatic strategies and indicators are detailed in this regional plan.

Guidelines for Certification of Achievement of Hepatitis B Control Goal in the Western Pacific Region

Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B: Operational Field Guidelines for Delivery of the Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine

[more publications and documents]

Upcoming meetings and events

No meeting/event planned at this time.



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Contact Information

Dr Karen Anne Hennessey
Technical Officer, EPI