Global spatiotemporal analysis in hepatitis B third dose vaccine coverage from 1980–2023 across 204 countries and territories

The Hepatitis B third dose (HepB3) vaccination is essential in preventing chronic infections, liver failure, and cancer. Despite progress, global coverage remains uneven, especially in low-income regions. This study analyzes the global and regional spatiotemporal trends in HepB3 vaccine coverage from 1980–2023 using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 estimates. Data from GBD 2023, covering 204 countries and territories from 1980 to 2023, was analyzed to assess HepB3 vaccine coverage. Descriptive statistics summarized global and regional trends, and linear mixed-effects regression models evaluated the impact of time and region on coverage. The study also utilized choropleth maps to visualize global and regional coverage variations. Global coverage increased from near 0% in the 1980s to 81.82% in 2023. Regional disparities were evident, with Europe and Oceania showing higher coverage, while sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia lagged. Regression results indicated an annual increase in coverage of 2.50% (95% CI: 2.41%–2.59%, p < .0001). Albania had the highest global coverage at 98.2%, while Somalia had the lowest at 14%. Global HepB3 coverage has significantly improved, but geographic disparities persist. Targeted interventions in low-coverage areas and strengthened healthcare systems are needed to meet the 2030 universal coverage goal.