Whereas, recent studies revealed that there are 200 million carriers worldwide
Whereas, Hepatitis B virus infection is the established cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis
Whereas, there is a higher risk of chronic Hepatitis B virus infection with early infection
Whereas, Hepatitis B virus is the cause of hepato-cellular carcinoma
Whereas, different epidemiological studies have confirmed that Hepatitis B virus infection is highly endemic in the Philippines and as much as 10% of Filipinos are Hepatitis B carriers
Whereas, vertical transmission of Hepatitis B virus from mother to child has been implicated
Whereas majority of Filipino pregnant mothers are not routinely screened for Hepatitis B virus infection
Whereas, routine newborn Hepatitis B vaccination is the best opportunity to prevent unrecognized perinatal transmission of the virus and has been recommended by the World Health Organization ( WHO )
Wherefore, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Inc. resolves, that routine Hepatitis B vaccination of all infants at birth be done to prevent risk of infection
Wherefore, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Inc. in collaboration with the following stakeholders and concerned groups resolves that, routine Hepatitis B vaccination of all infants at birth be given to prevent the risk of infection and will promote, support and work for the enactment of a law for the giving of Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Done this 12th day of November 2004 at Manila during the 5th Philippine National Immunization Conference held at Pan Pacific Hotel.