Prevalence of Hepatitis Among Health Care Workers,

In cooperation with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Mongolian Academy of Medical Sciences (MAMS), and the Mongolian Ministry of Health, FIRE initiated an effort to study the prevalence of blood-borne viruses among 1,000 urban, suburban, and rural healthcare workers in Mongolia. NIH scientifically studied the relationship between Mongolians and Hepatitis B, C, and D, using cutting-edge technology to provide previously unavailable information to the Mongolian health sector to treat and prevent viruses—specifically hepatitis. The study’s results provided insight into transmittable infections. 

This study gained the professional expertise and support of leading hepatitis researchers from within NIH, such as Dr. Harvey Alter, who co-discovered the hepatitis B vaccine and led the research team that identified hepatitis C, and Dr. Stefano Bertuzzi, one of the top administrators in the Office of the Director at NIH and advisor to the US President. Dr. Samuel So, Stanford University Liver Cancer Surgeon, President of the Asian Liver Center, and special advisor to WHO on viral hepatitis, also advised on this program.

FIRE hoped that the data generated by this project would provide a resource for forming health policy and developing strategies for increasing awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment of healthcare workers.