Dundo - The Angolan health authorities are awaiting laboratory results, which are currently being finalised, to confirm data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in the country, in order to better control patients, the director of the National Institute for the Fight against HIV/AIDS, Maria Lúcia Furtado, said Monday in Lunda Norte Province.
The studies are the result of a survey of Multiple Indicators and Health 2023-2024, whose activities are already underway, coordinated by the National Statistics Institute.
The information was given during a working meeting with the government of Lunda Norte, emphasising that the data will be stratified by province.
“We are in the last phase of laboratory tests so that for the first time we can have reliable data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B in the country and thus better assist patients”, she said.
She said that current indicators point to 2% seroprevalence in Angola.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that attacks the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is present in blood and secretions, and hepatitis B is also classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
It does not usually require specific treatment, but hydration and rest are recommended. Medications (antivirals) can be used in special cases.
In most cases, the immune system controls the infection and manages to eliminate the virus over a period of about six months.
JVL/HD/MRA/jmc
