Oman | News | Assessing hepatitis B in Oman

Assessing hepatitis B in Oman

Print PDF

A WHO Mission took place from 22 to 26 March 2015 to assess the situation of Hepatitis B and C including the available services for people with Hepatitis B and C in Oman, review the development of a National Hepatitis Registry and identify strategies and interventions with the aim of elimination Hepatitis B in Oman. Universal childhood hepatitis B vaccine was included in routine childhood immunization in 1990 which has resulted in a dramatic decreased in chronic hepatitis B seroprevalence.  However, hepatitis B remains a concern for the older population. Based on a review of the current status of Hepatitis B and C in the country, the team provided detailed recommendations on ways to strengthen the control of viral hepatitis including strengthening the overall coordination mechanism and improving the implementation of prevention and control measures. 

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can cause chronic liver disease and chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death due to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is an important occupational hazard for health workers.

Related link

Hepatitis B