Prevalence of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in the southern district of N’Djamena and strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission

Hepatitis B remains a major public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a high risk of mother-to-child transmission. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women in the southern district of N’Djamena and to document neonatal vaccination coverage within 24 hours. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in five health facilities from December 2023 to December 2024. HBsAg screening was performed using an immunochromatographic test (manufacturer’s standard procedure) and confirmed in the laboratory. Among 4,876 participants, 520 were HBsAg-positive (prevalence: 10.66%), with a mean age of 25.17 years, and 35.37% of the participants were illiterate. Out of 289 births from HBsAg+ mothers, 77.85% (n=225) of newborns received the vaccine dose within 24 hours. Inter-facility variations were observed. The observed prevalence confirms high endemicity in the southern district of N’Djamena, as well as a high acceptance of the vaccine at birth. These preliminary results support the implementation of an integrated policy: systematic screening during pregnancy, universal birth-dose vaccination, and community awareness campaigns.