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Article History

Received: 5 November 2025

Accepted: 7 February 2026

First Online: 20 February 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and ethical approval was granted by Mekelle University, the College of Health Sciences, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB), under Ethical Approval protocol Number: MU-IRB 2417/2024, dated December 17, 2024. Formal cooperation letters were obtained from the Tigray Regional Health Bureau, and permission was granted by the medical directors of the participating hospitals to engage with head nurses/midwives. Individuals who tested positive for HBV and/or HIV were informed verbally by the nurse/midwife, provided with written results, and referred to clinicians for further management in accordance with national guidelines. Participants were included in the study after being informed about its aim, risks associated, benefits, their right to refuse, and the confidentiality of their information. Next, written informed consent was obtained if they agree to participate.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.