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CitiGlobe Pharmacies Ltd and Africa Surgical Health Care Support Hepatitis B Screening for Pregnant Women on World Hepatitis Day 2024

As a corporate social responsibility we are pleased to announce that CitiGlobe Pharmacies Ltd, in collaboration with Africa Surgical Health Care, supported KnowHep Foundation Sierra Leone in commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2024 #WHD.

A total of 390 pregnant women were screened for #HepatitisB in Freetown (Tombo and Waterloo) and 8 community health facilities in Koidu Town. Babies born to infected mothers will receive free hepatitisB birth dose vaccine within 12-24 hours.

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Introducing Hepatitis B Birth Dose in Sierra Leone to Combat High Infection Rates and Protect Future Generations

Recent study shows that 70% of hepatitis B infections occur in Africa. The most common mode of transmission of hepatitis B is through mother to child during pregnancy and horizontal transmission during childhood.

The introduction of a hepatitis B birth dose into Sierra Leone’s national immunization programme is a first step towards protecting newborns from chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer later life.

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World Hepatitis Day 2024 Screening Pregnant Women for Hepatitis B in Freetown Amidst Challenges and Successes

In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day 2024, we conducted hepatitis B screenings for 150 pregnant women attending antenatal care services at the Tombo Community Health Center and Waterloo Government Hospital in Freetown.

Of the 84 pregnant women screened at Waterloo, 2 tested positive for hepatitis B. Additionally, 66 pregnant women were screened at the Tombo Community Health Center, with 5 testing positive for the hepatitis B virus.

We extend our sincere gratitude to African Surgical Healthcare and our dedicated team for making this event a success, despite the challenges posed by heavy rains and other obstacles.

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What is the likelihood that someone infected with hepatitis B will develop liver cancer?

Individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B, who were infected at birth, and who do not receive any medical intervention or treatment, can have up to a 25% lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. The risk is highest for people with other risk factors – such as people who have cirrhosis, or a family history of liver cancer. The annual risk of developing liver cancer among people with hepatitis B is less than 1% in people without cirrhosis and 2-4% in people with cirrhosis. However, the risk of liver cancer can be significantly reduced with early detection of hepatitis B virus, treatment with antivirals if advised by your doctor, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Careful and early management of a chronic hepatitis B infection can avoid the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis, where there is the greatest risk for liver cancer.

Regular screening for liver cancer, also known as liver cancer surveillance, can detect cancers early when they may be curative. Know your status and get tested for hepatitis B. Please keep in mind that feeling healthy and having no symptoms DOES NOT mean there is no infection, or consequent serious liver problems. So, ask your doctor to test you for hepatitis B, and if you’re living with hepatitis B, ask your doctor about liver cancer surveillance.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Hepatitis B Screening in Sierra Leone: Insights from a Community Pharmacy Model of Care

There are limited studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson’s chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s or Dunnett’s post-test. Findings: Of 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBsAg (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second years after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way ANOVA test for trend, F=7.7, p = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, p = 0.7992). Interpretation: Community-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371126292_Impact_of_COVID-19_on_Hepatitis_B_Screening_in_Sierra_Leone_Insights_from_a_Community_Pharmacy_Model_of_CarePublications

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Hepatitis B Vaccines Provided to Masanga Hospital to Protect Newborns from Future Liver Disease

Today we donated 300 vials of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines to Masanga hospital. This will cater for 600 newborn babies born from HBV infected mothers. Provided there is no high risk for intrauterine/perinatal transmission, we hope that these 600 babies will be saved from suffering of chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer in the future. We thank all those who donated to help us achieve this wonderful goal. We hope your generosity continues so that we could eliminate hepatitis B in Sierra Leone.

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Why Women Are Nearly Twice as Affected and the Impact on Reproductive Health

Long COVID (long term effect of COVID infections) affects nearly twice as many women as men, with 6.6% of women reporting long COVID compared with 4% of men, according to a recent Census Bureau survey reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers are trying to determine why, what causes the gender disparity, and how best to treat it. Scientists are also starting to look at the impact of long COVID on female reproductive health, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. This suggests that sex hormones may play key roles in immune responses to infections. Let’s stay tuned!

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Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366913501_Assessment_of_Knowledge_Stigmatizing_Attitudes_and_Health-Seeking_Behaviors_Regarding_Hepatitis_B_Virus_Infection_in_a_Pharmacy_and_Community_Setting_in_Sierra_Leone_A_Cross-Sectional_Study

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Factors Associated with HBsAg Seropositivity among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at 10 Community Health Centers in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health threat in Sierra Leone. Pregnant women are disproportionately impacted, yet little is known about the epidemiology of HBV in this group. We conducted a cross-sectional study of pregnant women aged ≥16 years receiving antenatal care across 10 community health centers in Freetown from July to September 2021 to assess the prevalence and associated factors of HBsAg seropositivity. A logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of HBsAg seropositivity. In total, 394 pregnant women were screened. The mean age was 24.4 ± 4.9 years, 78.2% were married, and 47.2% were in the second trimester. Only 1% had received the HBV vaccine. The prevalence of HBsAg was 7.9%, while HIV was 5.8% and HIV/HBV co-infection was 0.3%. Regarding high-risk practices, 76.6% reported female genital circumcision, 41.9% ear piercing, 29.0% endorsed multiple sexual partners, and 23.6% reported sexually transmitted infections. In the logistic regression analysis, having a husband/partner with HBV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 6.54; 95% CI: [1.72–24.86]; p = 0.006) and residing in Central Freetown (aOR: 4.00; 95% CI: [1.46–11.00]; p = 0.007) were independently associated with HBsAg seropositivity. Our findings support the scaling up of HBV services to target pregnant women and their partners for screening and vaccination to help reduce mother-to-child transmission rates in Sierra Leone.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358557495_Factors_Associated_with_HBsAg_Seropositivity_among_Pregnant_Women_Receiving_Antenatal_Care_at_10_Community_Health_Centers_in_Freetown_Sierra_Leone_A_Cross-Sectional_Study