The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the Maldives today as a country that has controlled the spread of heptatitis B.
The WHO recognition was the result of hepatitis B vaccination efforts for many years, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said.
A recent hepatitis B sero-survey found zero infections in school children between six to seven years of age, HPA said, citing the WHO.
In addition to regularly screening pregnant women for hepatitis B and treating those who test positive, the HPA said preventive therapy for children born to patients helps them against infection.
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The infection could be acute (short and serious) or chronic (long-term). Permanent infections as a result of hepatitis B could lead to death from cancer or cirrhosis.
The disease is spread through contact with blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen from an infected person. A baby could also catch the disease from the mother. Vaccination offers protection against the disease and the vaccine is usually given after birth with boosters a few weeks later.
