Implementation of Hepatitis B Screening Into Routine Antenatal Care to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission in Rural...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant risk for mother-to-child transmission.
• Birth dose vaccination for hepatitis B is not routinely implemented in rural Uganda.
• Preventing vertical transmission is critical in regions with limited vaccination access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a pilot program for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV in rural Uganda.
• To identify pregnant women with high-risk HBV infection and initiate antiviral therapy.
• To assess the feasibility of integrating HBV prevention strategies into antenatal care.

Main Methods:

• A pilot program was implemented in rural Uganda.
• High-risk pregnant women with HBV infection were identified.
• Antiviral treatment was initiated during pregnancy for identified women.

Main Results:

• The pilot program successfully identified pregnant women with high-risk HBV infection.
• Antiviral treatment was initiated during pregnancy for a cohort of women.
• The program demonstrated potential for preventing vertical HBV transmission.

Conclusions:

• The pilot program effectively identified and initiated treatment for high-risk pregnant women with HBV.
• Further interventions are needed to improve antiviral adherence at the time of delivery.
• Enhancing adherence is essential for the successful prevention of vertical HBV transmission.