The role of the GAVI Alliance in improving childhood hepatitis B vaccination in China: Successes, lessons learned, and future global challenges

摘要

China has the world's largest burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. With an overall prevalence of chronic HBV infection of 7% [1], HBV is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in China, primarily from cirrhosis and liver cancer [2], [3] and [4]. Because transmission during birth and early childhood was contributing substantially to HBV acquisition, China embarked on an aggressive program to implement hepatitis B control through improving rates of vaccination coverage and improving birth dose coverage by leveraging a program to encourage facility-based deliveries. This issue of Vaccine chronicles China's remarkable success in implementing infant and adolescent vaccination programs, promoting safe injection practices, and vaccinating hard to reach populations. This commentary highlights the successful partnership between China's public health authorities and the GAVI Alliance, the GAVI Alliance's contribution to control of hepatitis B globally, and the continued need for GAVI Alliance support to meet the WHO goal of vaccinating all newborns within the first 24 h of life with hepatitis B vaccine.