Providing a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine to all newborns (in addition to routine HepB immunization) was found to be a highly cost-effective means of preventing hepatitis B-related deaths in three refugee populations in Africa which are at extremely high risk of hepatitis B infection. Providing a birth dose only to newborns whose mothers test positive on a rapid diagnostic test was less cost-effective than vaccinating all newborns automatically. Thus, universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborns should remain a priority in refugee camps, despite competing humanitarian needs.
Full Citation:
Reardon JM, O'Connor SM, Njau JD et al.. 2019. Cost-effectiveness of birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination among refugee populations in the African region: a series of case studies. Conflict and Health. 13(5).
Title of Article: Cost-effectiveness of birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination among refugee populations in the African region: a series of case studies
Author(s): Reardon JM, O'Connor SM, Njau JD et al.
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Name: Conflict and Health
Publication Volume: 13(5)
Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858875/
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1186/s13031-019-0188-y
Topics: Conflict & Humanitarian Emergencies | Global Issues
Disease Vaccines: Hepatitis (A & B)
WHO Regions: Africa