Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis), 2024
The Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis) proudly recognizes Prof. Osman Mohamud Mohamed Dufle as the Champion of Viral Hepatitis Control in Somalia, celebrating his exceptional leadership, lifelong service, and enduring contribution to public health, education, and humanitarian advancement across the nation.
For over four decades, Prof. Dufle has stood at the intersection of medicine, policy, and compassion—dedicating his life to the well-being of the Somali people and to the elimination of viral hepatitis as a silent killer.
A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Humanity
Prof. Osman Mohamud Mohamed Dufle graduated in 1977 from the Somali National University’s Faculty of Medicine, as part of the first cohort of Somali-trained physicians. He later earned his Master’s in Internal Medicine (1982) and advanced specialization in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at La Sapienza University of Rome (1982–1986).
Returning to Somalia, he became Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Digfeer Hospital and Professor at Somali National University, training a generation of doctors who would later form the backbone of Somalia’s modern medical community.
Leadership Through Crisis and Service Beyond Measure
During the civil conflict of the 1990s, when many professionals left the country, Prof. Dufle chose to remain serving his people under some of the harshest conditions in Somalia’s history. As Chairman of the Mogadishu Medical Coordination Committee (1992–2000), he organized emergency care, coordinated humanitarian responses, and helped sustain vital health services when institutions collapsed.
In 2002, his visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Benadir Foundation for Higher Education, which founded Benadir University reviving medical education after years of disruption. Today, he continues to serve as Head of the Postgraduate School of Medicine and senior academic advisor at Benadir University, mentoring young physicians and specialists.
From the Clinic to the Parliament: A Voice for Health Policy
Prof. Dufle’s commitment to public service transcends medicine. Since the early 2000s, he has served in both the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the Federal Government of Somalia, holding the posts of Deputy Minister and later State Minister of Health.
Currently, as a Senator in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament (2021–present), and Chairman of the Social Services Committee, he continues to advocate for improved health systems, equitable access to care, and national investment in hepatitis prevention and treatment.
Championing Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Somalia
As a hepatologist, Prof. Dufle has been a relentless advocate for hepatitis awareness, prevention, and care. His voice has been central in shaping the national movement for liver health supporting FibroScan screening campaigns, public education drives, and research initiatives led by the Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis).
Prof. Dufle’s work has inspired a generation of Somali health professionals to join the global effort toward hepatitis elimination by 2030, as outlined in the Somali National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
“Health advocacy must be guided by compassion and service. We cannot eliminate hepatitis without empowering our people to understand it, prevent it, and seek care early.”
— Prof. Osman Mohamud Mohamed Dufle
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Through every chapter of Somalia’s recent history, Prof. Dufle has exemplified resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment. His leadership continues to guide SHT’s mission to eliminate viral hepatitis, strengthen public health systems, and advance medical education and research in Somalia.
The Somali Hepatitis Trust proudly celebrates Prof. Osman Mohamud Mohamed Dufle as a National Champion and Executive Advisor on Viral Hepatitis Elimination, recognizing him as a living symbol of dedication and hope in the nation’s pursuit of better liver health for all.
About the Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis)
The Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis) is a non-profit national organization dedicated to the prevention, research, and elimination of viral hepatitis in Somalia. Working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, WHO, and international partners, SHT leads public awareness, screening, and policy efforts aligned with the WHO 2030 Hepatitis Elimination Goals and the Somali National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
