Publications

Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence among HIV-Uninfected People Living in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas in Botswana

Microorganisms

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study aimed to find out how common HBV is among people who do not have HIV and live in rural and peri-urban (areas on the outskirts of cities) parts of Botswana. Researchers collected and tested blood samples from people in these communities to detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus. They wanted to understand how widespread HBV is in these areas and identify any patterns or factors that might contribute to its spread. The findings of this study are important because they can help healthcare providers and policymakers create better strategies to prevent and control HBV infections. By understanding the prevalence of HBV in different areas, resources and efforts can be more effectively directed to those who need it most. In summary, this research provides valuable information on how common hepatitis B is among people without HIV in rural and peri-urban Botswana, which can guide future health interventions and policies to improve public health in these regions.

SANTHE is an Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) flagship programme funded by the Science for Africa Foundation through the DELTAS Africa programme; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilead Sciences Inc.; and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard.