Hepatitis B is a significant public health challenge in Asia, home to more than two-thirds of people living with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The virus is highly endemic in many parts of the region, especially in East and Southeast Asia, where perinatal (mother-to-child) and early childhood transmission are common. Without timely intervention, such as birth-dose vaccination and follow-up immunization, infected infants are at high risk of developing chronic HBV, which can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer later in life. Despite progress, disparities in access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment remain, particularly among marginalized and rural populations.

Vaccination is the most effective and affordable way to prevent Hepatitis B, especially when administered within 24 hours of birth. The World Health Organization recommends a three-dose series of the Hepatitis B vaccine, starting with a timely birth dose, which can reduce the risk of perinatal transmission by up to 95%. In countries that have successfully implemented widespread Hepatitis B vaccination programs, such as Taiwan and China, there has been a dramatic decline in HBV prevalence and related liver diseases. Scaling up vaccination coverage, particularly the timely birth dose, is crucial for Asia to meet global hepatitis elimination targets by 2030 and to break the cycle of transmission that continues to impact future generations.

To strengthen regional civil society dialogue by highlighting

1. Innovative approaches to financing for routine immunization
2. Experiences and lessons from Hepatitis vaccine delivery.

• Increased awareness among CSOs on Gavi’s Hepatitis B programme
• Increase awareness among CSOs on the potential of innovative financing for immunization sustainability
• Share lessons and practical experiences related to the rollout of Hepatitis B vaccine
• Identify and document CSO priorities for immunization in 2025
• Continue mapping CSO expectations and strengthening engagement across the region

• Strengthened collaboration and peer exchange among CSOs at regional and national levels
• Enhanced CSO engagement in immunization financing and delivery
• Documented best practices and innovations for global advocacy
• Better understanding of country-level CSO experiences, challenges, and priorities
• Increased membership to the Gavi CSO Constituency from the Asia Region

The Asia Regional CSO Dialogue Series will be held on 30th July to commemorate World Hepatitis Day on 28th July.

Virtual regional convening of CSOs across Asia

Approximately 50 60 representatives from local and regional CSOs across Asia will participate, sharing their experiences with vaccine delivery and identifying their priorities for 2025.