China Halves Infant Hepatitis B Transmission Rate
Nation’s Public Health Efforts Yield Historic Success
A newborn in Jinan, Shandong province, tested normal for hepatitis B, a vital sign of China’s successful campaign against mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Proactive Maternal Care Drives Down Infections
The mother, identified as **Li**, received antiviral medication throughout her pregnancy after a routine checkup revealed her infection. Following birth, her baby received a crucial hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin injection within three hours, a standard protocol. The Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital will continue free monitoring for the infant.
Decades of Progress Transform Public Health
This success story underscores the effectiveness of China’s public health system in tackling hepatitis B, a major contributor to chronic infections. In the early 1990s, hepatitis B carriers represented approximately 10 percent of the population. This prevalence has significantly impacted national health, with the virus capable of causing liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Wang Yu, chairman of the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control, highlighted the extensive efforts.
“Chronic hepatitis B primarily spread through mother-to-child transmission in the past, and the virus’ high prevalence severely impacted the overall health of the Chinese population. After more than 30 years of continuous efforts, China has achieved decisive and historic success.”
—Wang Yu, Chairman of the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control
Dramatic Reduction in Childhood Carriers
Official data reveals a striking decrease in hepatitis B surface antigen carrier rates among children under five, falling to 0.3 percent in 2020 from 0.96 percent between 2006 and 2007. This figure is well below the World Health Organization’s target of 1 percent for the Western Pacific region. Nationally, the prevalence dropped from 9.75 percent in 1992 to 5.86 percent recently.
Comprehensive Strategy Targets Elimination
Key interventions include antiviral treatments for expectant mothers, prompt vaccinations, and immunoglobulin injections for newborns born to infected mothers. A nationwide program dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission was fully implemented in 2015 by the National Health Commission. China also provides screening, counseling, and follow-up monitoring for all pregnant women.
Testing rates for pregnant women soared from 89 percent in 2011 to 99 percent by 2024. Last year, 9.45 million pregnant women were screened, with 397,000 testing positive. The immunoglobulin injection rate for infants of infected mothers reached an impressive 99.9 percent.
Global Health Goals Within Reach
Li Qun, deputy director general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, believes China is on track to meet the WHO’s 2030 goal for eliminating mother-to-child transmission. He attributed this progress to China’s robust obstetric system and high rates of hospital deliveries, ensuring timely immunizations.
Li Qun emphasized the critical timing of interventions.
“We must stick to the strategy of administering the first vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth — and within 12 hours for newborns of infected mothers. We also plan to share our experiences and cost-effective vaccination strategies with the global community.”
—Li Qun, Deputy Director General of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The WHO representative to China, Martin Taylor, acknowledged the nation’s advancements, noting a 99 percent reduction in child infections and lower drug prices achieved through government negotiations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 95% of children born in China now receive the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours, a significant increase from just over 30% in the early 1990s (CDC).
Continued Efforts to Combat Chronic Disease
Despite these successes, China still faces the challenge of 75 million chronic hepatitis B patients, a primary cause of liver cancer. Future plans involve expanding screening programs in developed areas, enhancing standardized treatment, and improving chronic disease management to mitigate complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer, according to Xia Gang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
