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Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the
Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is the world's most common
liver infection, and can lead to cirrhosis and liver
cancer later in life. It is estimated that 80% of all
liver cancer in the world is precipitated by Hepatitis
B infection.
 Globally, over 360 million people are chronic carriers
of the hepatitis B virus. More than three quarters of
these people reside in Asia. The disease is transmitted
predominantly through exposure to bodily fluids containing
the virus. This includes unprotected sexual contact,
blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and
syringes, vertical transmission from mother to child
during childbirth.
Because of the extremely high prevalence of Hepatitis
B in central Vietnam, coupled
with even higher rates amongst unvaccinated sex workers,
Action to End Exploitation has joined the Hue Vaccination
program as a risk reduction measure towards young women
at risk for sexual exploitation.
The three injection series is made possible by cooperation
from the Hue Medical University and Aid to Children
Without Parents. Together our respective groups can
work efficiently in filling in the vaccination gap left
uncovered by state enterprises.
Pre and post vaccination blood sampling is conducted
to ensure adequate vaccine coverage. The total cost
to provide a three injection series is approximately
$25CAD per child.
A Project in Collaboration with
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