Limited published data are available on the epidemiology
of HBV among African-born persons in
the US. An estimated 40%-70% of persons infected
with HBV in the US are foreign-born. A recent meta-
analysis estimated that 1.3 million foreign-born
persons were living with chronic HBV in the US
as of 2009, of whom 11% (145,000 persons) were
African-born. Small studies also have reported
high prevalence of chronic HBV among African
refugees. Lack of access to accurate information,
testing, and treatment affects immigrant and
marginalized populations. Whereas HBV screening
programs have targeted Asian-born individuals,
few have targeted other high-risk populations,
including African-born persons.