EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS VIRUSES IN HAJJAH GOVERNORATE, YEMEN, BETWEEN 2020-2023

Abstract

Viral hepatitis is now recognized as a major public health challenge that requires urgent response. They are also responsible for killing approximately 1.5 million people every year. The health care system in Yemen is fragile and cannot handle public health emergencies. Thus, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of hepatitis A, E, B and C viruses in Hajjah governorate between 2020-2023, Yemen. This retrospective study was conducted in the Hajjah Governorate of Yemen for four years, 2020– 2023. About 41162 cases were collected from clinical records of epidemiological surveillance in the Public Health Office of the Hajjah governorate that documented between 2020– 2023. The required data were obtained and analyzed using SPSS. Out of 41162, 761 (1.85%) were positive for HAV and HEV, while 971 (2.36%) were positive for HBV and HCV. The highest rates of HAV and HEV were in 2022 (2.3%), whereas HBV and HC were in 2020 (2.9%). In addition, a higher rate of hepatitis HAV and HEV was detected among individuals from the Al Miftah district 116 (7.5%) in September 85 (2.6%), while HBV and HCV were higher in Hajjah city 579 (22.9%) and in October and November (2.8%). Additionally, all viral hepatitis cases were higher in the autumn. In spite of the low rate of hepatitis viruses observed in this study, these viruses will continue to pose a significant risk to public health. Therefore, enhancing sanitation practices, ensuring food safety, and promoting immunization are the most efficacious strategies for preventing hepatitis viruses.