Event Report
Event: Launch of the Somali National Hepatitis Control and Elimination Strategy (2025–2030)
Date: July 28, 2025 (World Hepatitis Day)
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Organizers: Federal Ministry of Health & Human Services, in partnership with WHO, Africa CDC, Somali Hepatitis Trust, and Horn Afrik Institute for health studies.
1. Background
Viral hepatitis remains a significant but neglected public health challenge in Somalia. To address this, the Ministry of Health developed the first-ever Somali National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2025–2030), aligning with global elimination targets.
2. Objectives of the Launch Event
- To officially launch and disseminate the National Hepatitis Strategic Plan.
- To mark World Hepatitis Day 2025 with a renewed call to action.
- To mobilize stakeholders and partners for implementation.
- To highlight Somalia’s commitment to Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine introduction, community screening, and access to care.
3. Participants
The event gathered:
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
- Representatives from WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners.
- Clinicians, researchers, and members of the Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis).
- Media representatives and community leaders.
4. Highlights
- Policy Commitment: Government pledged to adopt Somalia’s first national hepatitis roadmap.
- Data-Driven Dialogue: Reviewed DHIS2 data showing HBV 2.6–3.0% and HCV 0.3%.
- Technical Sessions: Focused on vaccination, testing, treatment, and surveillance.
- Civil Society Engagement: SHT emphasized patient inclusion and stigma reduction.
- Next Steps: Final strategy validation and national launch expected later in 2025.
Somalia’s Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2025–2030) represents a turning point in the nation’s public health history, reinforcing its commitment to Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.3).
5. Outcomes
- Strong political and technical commitment secured for hepatitis elimination.
- Public recognition of the Somali Hepatitis Trust’s role in advocacy and awareness.
- Next steps agreed on resource mobilization, monitoring, and implementation.
6. Conclusion
The launch of the Somali National Hepatitis Strategic Plan 2025–2030 is a historic milestone that provides Somalia with a clear, coordinated roadmap to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat. It reinforces the country’s commitment to safeguarding future generations through vaccination, screening, treatment, and awareness.
