title: Use of hepatitis B virus vaccine in Africa: rationale and practical approaches for effective utilization.
abstract: This report considers the following questions: (1) Should hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine be used in Africa, if and when adequate supplies become available at an affordable cost? (2) Who should receive the vaccine and when? (3) What type of HBV vaccine should be used? Answers to these questions are suggested based on a review of available knowledge of the epidemiology of HBV infections in Africa, the role of HBV in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis, and the utilization of various currently available and experimental HBV vaccines.
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines