Cuba Leads Global Effort in Pediatric Hepatitis B Control and Elimination

cuba is being recognized globally for its significant success in controlling and potentially eliminating hepatitis B among children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the nation’s achievements in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

The heberbiovac HB vaccine, developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, has been instrumental in this effort. Since its implementation in 1999, Cuba has seen a dramatic reduction in pediatric hepatitis B cases.

This recombinant vaccine has demonstrated high immunogenicity and efficiency. It has been prequalified by the WHO and integrated into Cuba’s National Immunization Program since 1992.

The impact is clear: no hepatitis B cases were reported in children under five years old in 1999, with only one case recorded that year. This success story continues to the present day.

Furthermore, among children under 15, only a single diagnosis of hepatitis B occurred in 2022. this low incidence rate has been maintained since 2006, underscoring the effectiveness of systematic vaccination from birth.