Although the DNA Recombinant Vaccine is one of the most successful vaccines ever produced in means of preventing epidemics, many challenges still face scientists. An alarming growing number of people, especially those born before the invention of the hepatitis B vaccine, are becoming infected with chronic hepatitis. Besides a much higher chance of liver cancer, the hepatitis B vaccine does not work once a person is infected. Only seven drugs (including Viread, Hepsera, and Baraclude) for chronic hepatitis have been commercially manufactured, and although they have been proven to decrease the risk of severe liver damage, a complete "cure" still has not been found. ("Approved Drugs for Adults") Other than the race to find a cure, there is also a race against time to get vaccines to developing countries where most of the population suffers from infectious diseases like hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. Even though the hepatitis B vaccine has saved many young lives in third world countries such as Gambia, the major obstacle comes down to two issues - money and high demand, low supply. (Kim) See the Impact on the World page, Economical Impacts, for more information on the Hepatitis B vaccine in developing countries.. |
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You can help! To learn how to help children in developing countries get Hepatitis B immunizations, visit these websites: The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) - http://www.gavialliance.org/ The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) - http://www.usaid.gov/ The World Health Organization (WHO) - http://www.who.int/en/ Every donation or volunteer helps! Lend a hand and save a life! |
 A child getting vaccinated in Africa |
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