Revealing Hepatitis B Virus as a Silent Killer: A Call-to-Action for Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was the first country in the Middle East to adopt the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine. Despite an expanded HBV immunization program and significant progress in HBV prevention in the country, HBV infection is a significant public health burden. This review lists coordinated solutions for healthcare stakeholders, patients, and health authorities to curb HBV and its impact in KSA. It further aims to draw policymakers' attention to key priorities to bridge HBV care gaps in the country.Methods: As part of the pre-engagement activity, medical experts across KSA were interviewed to gain a preliminary understanding of the current unmet needs in HBV management in the country. Toprecommended action points derived from the pre-engagement activity were discussed. Key priority action points to curb the impact of HBV in KSA were identified.Results: The priority action points together with the challenges and unmet needs in the management and care of HBV in KSA were: (a) establish a national-level registry, (b) implement screening campaigns, (c) improve linkage of care between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, and (d) increase PCP education and awareness. Conclusion:This work is an endeavor to set the stage for a strategic policy framework aimed at eliminating HBV in KSA. The action points/steps for the identified priorities must run parallelly across various regions in KSA, to successfully manage and further eliminate the threat of HBV.

Seroprotection of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Dental Students Two Decades after Infant Immunization and the Possible Need for Revaccination

“…HBV infection is still a significant public health burden in Saudi Arabia despite being the first country in the Middle East to adopt the HBV vaccine and achieving significant progress in prevention of the virus. 10 Previous studies concluded that transmission of HBV in Saudi Arabia is mainly through blood and its derivatives, hemodialysis, or by intravenous or percutaneous means. 7 Percutaneous injuries by needle sticks constitute a significant occupational hazard among dental professionals and students.…”

Clinical Characteristics and Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights from Single-Centre Experience in Saudi Arabia

“…However, the notable heterogeneity in the factors employed by each system may constrain their predictability and accuracy [ 8 , 9 ]. HCC persists as a growing national health threat in KSA, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive assessment and thorough research to bridge existing knowledge gaps and integrate a multidisciplinary approach into its management [ 10 ]. Here, our objective is to explore the etiological, clinical, and laboratory features of HCC in a singular cancer center in KSA.…”

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021

“…9 Saudi Arabia was previously described as a highly endemic area for HBV infection in the Middle East. 10 A great number of studies have been undertaken in Saudi Arabia, and a systematic review that pooled data from 36 studies reported between 1965 and 2013 discovered a prevalence of 3.2% in the region. A more recent systematic review conducted by Aljumah et al in 2019 estimated the prevalence of HBV infection in Saudi Arabia to be approximately 1.3%.…”

“…It has also been influenced by the development of healthcare facilities and the improvement of socioeconomic standing. 10 Compared to adults, children affected with HBV are at greater risk of developing a chronic infection and have poor health outcomes over the long run. Vaccination and anti-HBV drugs, such as interferons and nucleoside analogs, are available for the prevention and management of infection, but their efficacy is limited, and they frequently produce severe side effects.…”