1. Universal screening for all
pregnant women: Screening should be done early in
the pregnancy so that those having the infection can be
provided appropriate treatment and hence prevent
vertical transmission [2].
2. Special focus on high risk
pregnant women: Drug addicts, HIV positive
and women having other sexually transmitted diseases
have higher chances of having hepatitis B co-infection
[3]. These women should be provided with regular
counselling sessions on the risk of transmission,
regular follow up, free treatment and timely referral.
3. Promoting maximum in-hospital
deliveries: To identify hepatitis B infected cases
and ensure safe delivery practices along with reduction
in perinatal complications.
4. Promoting hepatitis B education
and universal immunization.
5. Providing free treatment to
hepatitis B-infected pregnant women.
6. Updating knowledge of
healthcare workers: The doctors working in
the rural and remote areas can be updated on the
advances in the treatment and prevention of hepatitis B
infection by conducting regular Continuing Medical
Education programs, and e-learning programs.
7. Free availability of Hepatitis B
Immunoglobulin (HBIg): Government should take the
initiative to provide free HBIg at all the delivery
centers, atleast starting from areas with high
prevalence, and then to other parts of the country.