The health protective strategies against hepatitis b virus infection in developing countries: the case of nigeria

Hepatitis B Virus infection is one of the commonest infectious disease of public health importance globally. About 2 billion people worldwide have serological evidence of HBV. In Nigeria, more than 22 million people are living with this deadly contagious virus which has more prevalence, virulence and devastating complications than HIV.
Despite its high prevalence, not much effort has been made to protect the at-risk population group. This study identified HBV as a neglected biohazard of public health importance, especially in developing countries where infectious disease control are poor. It highlighted the strategies of early detection, control and prevention of HBV in endemic regions such as Nigeria using health protective tools (HPTs). This was a review study of 24 references majorly related to HBV in Nigeria and the population at risk. Two keywords: (HBV/HPTs in Nigeria) were used as search strategy to identify answers to research questions. Pub Med, Medline, Cochrane Database, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL) were the search database reviewed. A critical appraisal and integration of current evidences in identifying key issue worsening the HBV burden in Nigeria were captured. It further elaborated on the application of HPTs as strategies for preparedness and response plans to reduce the burden in the region. The recommendations from this study will go a long way in proffering replicable solutions on how to reduce the burden of HBV in developing countries including Nigeria.
Conclusion: HBV is a global health problem and so requires proactive measures to prevent or significantly control its burden worldwide. These measures include declaring it as an emergency natural disaster and establishing suitable frameworks to fight the menace. In Nigeria, where the burden is high, there is a need to activate the HPTs such as surveillance, auditing, screening tests, immunization and therapeutic interventions into useful frameworks in preparedness and response plan against the increasing prevalence of HBV.