Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Current Status and Future Prospects

The WHO member states endorsed the goal to eliminate mother -to -child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by 2030, which requires achievement of >= 90% coverage with timely hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD), three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3), and a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence <= 0.1% in children. We assessed the progress made to achieve EMTCT of HBV in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Data was extracted from National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Frameworks and WHO hepatitis B vaccination coverage estimates during 2018-2022 for all GCC countries. We also reviewed the literature to summarize the prevalence of HBsAg in children. During 2018-2022, coverage with timely HepB-BD and HepB3 was > 90% in all countries. All newborns irrespective of whether parents are nationals or immigrants/expatriates receive HepB-BD and other routine immunization vaccines. Prevalence of HBsAg among children was available in three of six GCC countries; it ranged from 0% in Qatar and Saudi Arabia to 0.4% in Oman. Five countries reported screening pregnant women for HBsAg, and three provided antiviral treatment of those eligible, and hepatitis B immunoglobulin to exposed newborns. In conclusion, all GCC countries achieved hepatitis B vaccination targets and countries with available data have either achieved or are close to achieving EMTCT of HBV. Remaining countries need to implement hepatitis B serosurveys to track progress to EMTCT of HBV.