BACKGROUND:
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a potent occupational threat in Sudan, yet the immunological security of the future healthcare workforce is critically overlooked. In high-prevalence regions, the safety of trainees is paramount to institutional health security. This study evaluates the alarming gap in HBV protection among medical and nursing students at the University of Kassala.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey conducted to assessed 231 medical (61.3%) and nursing (38.7%) students. Utilizing the Kobo Toolbox platform and SPSS the study analyzed vaccination history, theoretical knowledge, and specific experiences with occupational exposure and needlestick injuries.

RESULTS:
The data uncover a dangerous disconnect between clinical responsibility and protection. Despite operating in high-risk environments, over 94% of the cohort remain immunologically vulnerable. While 18.67% initiated vaccination, effective immunity is nearly non-existent; only 5.81% completed the necessary three-dose regimen. This immunization deficit is driven by systemic failure rather than personal neglect. Students cited a profound lack of procurement guidance (21.16%) and the complete absence of institutional programs (17.84%) as primary barriers. The risk is immediate: 12.45% of students reported sustaining needlestick injuries, yet nearly half of the participants lack knowledge of correct post-exposure prophylaxis protocols, leaving them defenseless against potential infection.

CONCLUSIONS:
Current prevention strategies at the University of Kassala are insufficient. The severe disparity between occupational exposure and immunological protection constitutes an urgent safety crisis. Moving beyond theoretical awareness to institutional action is non-negotiable. Implementing a mandatory, subsidized vaccination program is an ethical imperative to secure the safety of Sudan’s next generation of healthcare providers.