Event Report
World Hepatitis Day 2023 – Somali Hepatitis Awareness Week
Organized by Somali Hepatitis Initiative (now Somali Hepatitis Trust) in collaboration with Abrar University, SomGASTRO Clinic, and Liver Center Somalia
1. Introduction
On 28 July 2023, Somalia joined the world in commemorating World Hepatitis Day under the global theme:
“Hepatitis Can’t Wait.”
The Somali Hepatitis Initiative (HEPSOM, now Somali Hepatitis Trust), together with academic and clinical partners, led a week-long awareness and service campaign. The initiative focused on community screening, vaccination, and specialist services for hepatitis B & C, reinforcing Somalia’s growing momentum in the fight against liver disease.
2. Objectives
- To raise awareness about hepatitis B and C among the Somali population.
- To provide free screening for early detection.
- To improve protection through subsidized Hepatitis B vaccination.
- To ensure access to specialist care and ultrasound services for hepatitis-positive patients.
- To strengthen partnerships between universities, hospitals, and NGOs in hepatitis elimination.
3. Activities Conducted
3.1 Community Outreach & Screening
- Awareness tents set up in Front of SomGastro Clinic (Street Campaign).
- Free Hepatitis B & C screening delivered to community members.
- Health education provided on transmission, prevention, and stigma reduction.
3.2 Subsidized Hepatitis B Vaccination
- Vaccines made accessible at reduced cost.
- Priority given to families of hepatitis patients, students, and healthcare workers.
3.3 Specialist Consultation for Hepatitis-Positive Patients
- Free consultations with liver specialists provided at SomGASTRO Clinic & Liver Center Somalia.
- Patients counseled on long-term care, monitoring, and treatment.
3.4 Free Liver Ultrasound Services
- Positive patients underwent ultrasound scans to detect fibrosis, cirrhosis, or complications.
- Patients referred for follow-up management where necessary.
4. Achievements
- Hundreds of community members screened within one week.
- Dozens vaccinated with subsidized Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Multiple new positive cases identified and counseled.
- Free access to ultrasound services for patients who otherwise could not afford imaging.
- Increased visibility for hepatitis prevention through community mobilization.
5. Challenges
- Limited supply of Hepatitis B vaccines.
- Stigma associated with hepatitis discouraged some from testing.
- Lack of a national hepatitis registry hindered follow-up and data tracking.
6. Recommendations & Next Steps
- Advocate for Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine introduction into Somalia’s EPI schedule.
- Expand community-based screening to rural and underserved areas.
- Strengthen referral pathways for patients diagnosed with hepatitis.
- Develop a national hepatitis policy and strategy.
- Increase investment and donor partnerships for sustainable hepatitis elimination.
7. Conclusion
The World Hepatitis Day 2023 Somali Hepatitis Awareness Week demonstrated that prevention and patient care can go hand in hand. By offering free screening, subsidized vaccination, and specialist services, HEPSOM and its partners showcased how local leadership can advance the global goal of hepatitis elimination by 2030.
This initiative reflects not only medical progress but also a message of hope: Somalia is ready to fight hepatitis.
Event photos: Screening tents, vaccination sessions, specialist consultations, and ultrasound examinations attached.
Organized by: Somali Hepatitis Initiative (Somali Hepatitis Trust)
Partners: Abrar University | SomGASTRO Clinic | Liver Center Somalia
