What Works for Women and Girls

4. Further research is needed on infant transmission risks of malaria and/or HIV in pregnantwomen who have malaria-HIV co-infection.Gap noted, for example, in Kenya (Perrault et al., 2009, van Eijk et al., 2007, Ayisi et al.,2004); Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia (Msamanga et al., 2009); Uganda (Brahmbhattet al., 2008a, Brahmbatt et al., 2008b); and generally (Ayisi et al., 2003 cited in Unekeand Ogbonna, 2009, Naniche et al., 2008).5. Young women, in particular, need access to services and treatment for HIV and malariaduring the perinatal period because they are more likely to be pregnant for the first time.Gap noted, for example, in Kenya (Ter Kuile et al., 2003 cited in Brabin and Brabin,2005; Brabin and Brabin, 2005).10C. Preventing, Detecting and Treating CriticalCo-Infections: Hepatitis“Hepatitis” is an inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus. The most commontypes of viruses are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E. “HepatitisA and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and are not knownto cause chronic liver disease. A vaccine exists for hepatitisA and a meta-analysis of eight studies from 1994 to 2004“Co-infection with the hepatitisviruses and HIV is likely tobecome a major health carecatastrophe in the coming years”(Kottilil et al., 2005: 424).shows that the vaccine can be effective in HIV-positive people(Shire et al., 2006 cited in Vergidis et al., 2009). HepatitisB, C, and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contactwith infected body fluids (e.g. from blood transfusions orinvasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment).Hepatitis B is also transmitted by sexual contact”(WHO, 2010c). Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are importantco-infections for HIV and D is a co-infection with hepatitis B. Approximately a million deathsper year are due to hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Hepatitis E should be studied in HIVco-infected people but no studies have been done to date (Kottilil et al., 2005; Kottilil, 2009).Almost no research focusing specifically on HIV and hepatitis co-infection among women indeveloping countries has been done.HIV Can Reduce the Body’s Response to Hepatitis B VaccinationHepatitis B can be prevented through timely vaccination, ideally within 24 hours after birth.WHO recommends that all infants should receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine less than24 hours after birth, followed by two to three doses to complete the series. Since 2007, morethan 88% of member states have introduced hepatitis B vaccine. However, hepatitis B birth-284 CHAPTER 10 PREVENTING, DETECTING AND TREATING CRITICAL CO-INFECTIONS