Event: Panel Discussion – Building the Blueprint: Somalia’s First Hepatitis Strategy and the Road to Implementation
Date: July 28, 2025
Venue: Mogadishu, Somalia
Organized by: Somali Hepatitis Trust in partnership with the National Hepatitis Control Program of Ministry of Health & Human Services
1. Background
Following the launch of the Somali National Hepatitis Strategy 2025–2030, the Somali Hepatitis Trust facilitated a panel discussion to provide expert perspectives on roadmaps, challenges, and solutions for implementation.
2. Objectives
- To debate and highlight strategic priorities for hepatitis elimination.
- To foster dialogue between policymakers, clinicians, and economists.
- To outline the role of civil society in supporting implementation.
3. Panelists
- Moderator: Dr. Mohamed Abdulkadir Hassan-Kadle – Gastro & Liver Specialist, Vice Chairman National Hepatitis Committee, Founder of SomHepatitis
- Dr. Sadia Abdisamad – National HIV Program Manager
- Dr. Aweiys Hersi Hashi – National Hepatitis Program Manager
- Prof. Dr. Khalif Bile – National Steering Committee Member
- Dr. Abdulrazaq Yusuf (DrJalaludiin) – Healthcare Economist & Director, Demartino Hospital
4. Highlights
- Consensus on the urgent need for HepB birth-dose introduction.
- Importance of financing and donor engagement for hepatitis programs.
- Community-level interventions and integration with HIV/TB platforms.
- Academic and policy collaboration for data-driven implementation.
5. Outcomes
- Roadmap developed for engaging stakeholders in rollout phases.
- Somali Hepatitis Trust positioned as a civil society partner in awareness, advocacy, and service delivery.
- Commitment to annual review forums to monitor implementation progress.
6. Conclusion
The panel discussion underscored that hepatitis elimination in Somalia is achievable with strong political commitment, technical expertise, and active civil society participation. Somali Hepatitis Trust will continue to champion the strategy’s implementation and support patient-centered care.
