Hepatitis B is a serious, highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Affecting millions worldwide, this disease can be either acute or chronic. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can progress to severe liver damage and life-threatening complications. Raising public awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and ensuring timely access to testing and treatment are essential to ease the global burden of hepatitis B.

Understanding Hepatitis B

HBV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Common routes of transmission include unprotected sexual activity, sharing needles or personal hygiene items, and from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. Notably, HBV is resilient and can survive outside the body for long periods, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention.

Health Risks and Disease Progression

The impact of hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic:

• Acute Hepatitis B: This short-term infection occurs shortly after exposure. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Most healthy adults recover fully within six months without needing specific treatment.

• Chronic Hepatitis B: If the infection persists beyond six months, it becomes chronic. Chronic hepatitis B can cause progressive liver damage, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Managing chronic hepatitis B requires ongoing medical care and long-term antiviral treatment.

Prevention: The First Line of Defense

• Vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent infection. Vaccination is strongly recommended for newborns, healthcare workers, and anyone at higher risk of exposure.

• Safe Practices: Preventive steps include practicing safe sex, avoiding the sharing of personal items like razors and toothbrushes, and ensuring that sterile equipment is used for tattoos, piercings, and medical procedures.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis is vital—especially for high-risk groups such as healthcare professionals, people with multiple sexual partners, and babies born to infected mothers. Blood tests can detect HBV and monitor liver function, enabling prompt medical intervention and better health outcomes.

Treatment Options

• Acute Infections: Most people with acute hepatitis B recover on their own with supportive care—rest, hydration, and monitoring—allowing the immune system to clear the virus naturally.

• Chronic Infections: Managing chronic hepatitis B involves long-term use of antiviral medications to suppress the virus and reduce liver inflammation. Regular medical check-ups and healthy lifestyle habits are key to protecting liver health and preventing complications.

Addressing the Global Burden

Hepatitis B continues to pose a major global health threat, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access. Expanding vaccination programs, raising public awareness, and improving the availability of testing and treatment are crucial steps in combating this disease.

Ensuring Access to Essential Medications

For people living with chronic hepatitis B, uninterrupted access to effective antiviral treatments is critical. Reliable pharmaceutical supply chains—and trusted exporters of medicines like Entavir (Entecavir)—play an essential role in ensuring patients receive the medications they need. Strengthening these networks supports consistent treatment, helps manage the disease, and improves health outcomes for communities worldwide.