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Hepatitis B infection among Iraqi children: the impact of sanctions

H Y M Ali1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Ninevah, Iraq. halsinde@yahoo.com

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|October 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Sanctions impacted hepatitis B vaccine availability in Iraq, leading to low vaccination rates among children and increased hepatitis B virus carriers. Vaccine shortages and parental hesitancy contributed to the low immunization coverage.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • International sanctions can disrupt healthcare systems, affecting vaccine availability and disease control.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children poses a significant long-term health risk.
  • Understanding vaccine access and uptake is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of international sanctions on hepatitis B vaccine availability in Iraq.
  • To determine the occurrence of viral hepatitis B among Iraqi children during a period of sanctions.
  • To identify factors contributing to low vaccination rates.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of families of children attending follow-up for hepatitis B at the Public Health Laboratory, Mosul.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg, and anti-HBe.
  • Data collected on vaccination status and reasons for non-vaccination.

Main Results:

  • 74 children born between 1994-1998 were diagnosed as HBsAg carriers.
  • Of 62 cases with prompt consultation, 41 were unvaccinated and 21 received only one dose.
  • Vaccine shortages were documented, even after UN Security Council Resolution 986 implementation.

Conclusions:

  • Sanctions significantly limited hepatitis B vaccine availability in Iraq.
  • Low vaccination coverage contributed to a high prevalence of hepatitis B carriers among children.
  • Addressing vaccine shortages and parental concerns is vital for improving immunization programs.

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