Abstract:
Acute and chronic viral hepatitis make a substantial contribution to the burden of chronic diseases and
the premature mortality they cause. Infections with hepatitis B and C viruses cause liver cirrhosis and
primary liver cancer. Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries where viral hepatitis is
endemic. The availability of a vaccine that offers lifelong protection against infection with the hepatitis
B virus gives public health an opportunity to prevent a leading cause of cancer and chronic liver disease.
The significance of the challenges and opportunities related to viral hepatitis were formally
acknowledged in 2010, when the World Health Assembly adopted its first resolution on a
comprehensive approach to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. The Ministry of Health
(MOH) considers viral hepatitis prevention and control measures in line with the current drive to
strengthen health systems which includes reaching every child with immunization programs that include
hepatitis B vaccine, protecting against mother-to-child transmission of viruses, ensuring the safety of
blood transfusion services and injection practices
