In 2019, the WHO reported 81 million people with chronic hepatitis B in Africa, highlighting the need for prevention programs to stop mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV, which can lead to chronic infections.
A network called the Mother-Infant Cohort Hepatitis B Network (MICHep B Network) was created in 2018, involving multiple African countries and the UK, aiming to promote effective initiatives for preventing MTCT of HBV.
The network has conducted various studies and workshops to raise awareness and build capacity around HBV, revealing a significant acceptability of the hepatitis B vaccine among families in Cameroon and Zimbabwe.