Albania and Armenia have achieved critical milestones in controlling hepatitis B, as outlined in the Regional Action Plans for Ending AIDS and the Epidemics of Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections for 2022–2030. This accomplishment was officially validated by the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) during their sixth meeting on April 10, 2026, which reviewed country reports and recommendations from the ETAGE Working Group on Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B poses serious health risks, including lifelong infections, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early prevention of the virus is essential, particularly through high vaccination coverage and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Both Albania and Armenia have successfully implemented timely birth-dose vaccinations, effectively safeguarding children from the lasting repercussions of the virus.
Country serosurveys over the past two decades indicate that comprehensive hepatitis B vaccination programs have led to success in eliminating the virus among children aged 6 to 8 years. Notably, tests reveal that no children in these age groups were positive for the hepatitis B virus surface antigen, indicating an estimated prevalence of 0%.
This development marks a significant step forward in the WHO European Region’s overarching goal of hepatitis B elimination, signaling the effectiveness of vaccination strategies and health policies in these nations.
Current efforts will focus on maintaining this progress as both countries continue to prioritize public health initiatives aimed at eradicating viral hepatitis and related infections.
