Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine: The Nigerian Story

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HBV) virus in endemic in Nigeria. Infection is acquired mainly in childhood through horizontal transmission. The infection is preventable by vaccination.
Universal childhood vaccination against the infection started in Nigeria less than ten years. Hepatitis B vaccine coverage in Nigeria is 41%, though now it has increased over the last few years. An example of community based privately financed vaccination project is given where HBV coverage rate is 58% and the vaccine efficacy against infection is 80%.

IFEMED Journal Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 4-5