Hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Public health challenges and their remedial measures

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health concern globally with higher prevalence in Middle Eastern countries. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE face critical challenges in HBV treatment and management despite the implementation of a mass vaccination program. This review aimed to understand the gaps and unmet needs related to HBV infection, public health challenges associated with its diagnosis, and treatment barriers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Additionally, the review aimed to provide the best practices in the HBV care pathway for effective remedial measures and disease reduction.

Methods: The literature search was done from Pubmed.

Results: The lack of disease awareness and knowledge about disease transmission among patients and their family members and healthcare professionals, lack of proper screening, underdiagnosis, social stigma, lack of established referral system, and treatment cost are the primary barriers to HBV diagnosis and management.

Conclusion: Appropriate healthcare initiatives should be undertaken to lower the disease burden in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Keywords: Barriers; Challenges; Hepatitis-B virus; Patient knowledge; Social stigma.