Post-vaccination epidemiological analysis of hepatitis “B” viral infection among selected communities in the Central region of Ghana | Biomed Grid

Introduction: Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) remains a global health threat. About 257 million people currently living with HBV worldwide. HBV is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa with prevalence of >8% established including West Africa. Though Anti-HBV vaccines existed since 1982, as the single most important Hepatitis B prevention measure. Ghana started active mass immunization program on HBV in infants in 2002 with single- combined Expanded Program Immunization (EPI) (pentavalent vaccine). However, this do not cover persons outside the EPI especially Adults. We designed this study to evaluate the impact of this vaccination programs, the accessibility of vaccines and the scope of this program in selected communities in the central region of Ghana. Methods: We screened and evaluated 1021 respondents from five Ghanaian indigenous communities in the central region namely Nkanfoa, Mankessim, Abura, Yamoransa and Gomoa Pinanko. They were screened for HBV and evaluated for status of Anti-HBV vaccination and on knowledge on the existence of such vaccine. Results: Majority of the respondents were between the ages of 52 years and 68 years representing 28.2% of the study population. Sixty-three (63) screened respondents tested positive to HBV infection. We recorded 6.2% HBV prevalence for the study. 11.9% had history of previous Anti- HBV vaccination whereas 33 (3.2%) had knowledge on the existence of Anti-HBV vaccines. The age class ≤17 years had all benefitted from the EPI hence were previously vaccinated. Interestingly, they all had no knowledge of such vaccines in existence. However, 4 respondents of this beneficiaries tested positive to HBV. Conclusion: HBV is still endemic in Ghana. Despite the inception of EPI, there is still more work to be done to finally eradicate HBV from the country. EPI should be extended to benefit adults who missed the opportunity to be vaccinated from year 2002. A state of emergency should be issued on HBV and public education intensified. Easy accessibility and affordability of Anti-HBV vaccines are key in eradicating HBV from Ghana.