FibroScan Screening Campaign – World Hepatitis Day 2024
Date: 28 July 2024 Venue: Waaberi Hospital, and Jazeera Hotel, Mogadishu
Organizers: Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis), Liver Center Somalia.
Theme: “One Time Testing for a Lifetime of Health”
Objectives
- Raise community awareness about hepatitis and liver fibrosis.
- Offer one-time free FibroScan screening for early detection.
- Strengthen collaboration between public and private liver-care providers.
Activities
- Registration & health education sessions.
- Rapid HBV/HCV testing and FibroScan assessment.
- Counselling + referrals for positive or high-risk individuals.
- Media coverage (TV, radio, social media).
Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
| Total participants | 312 |
| Average age | 38 years |
| Male : Female | 1.2 : 1 |
| FibroScan F0–F1 | 72 % |
| FibroScan F2 | 15 % |
| FibroScan F3–F4 | 13 % |
| HBV positive (RDT) | 6 % |
| HCV positive (RDT) | 1 % |
Observations
- Public turnout exceeded expectations despite limited publicity.
- Majority of fibrosis cases were linked to untreated HBV infection.
- Need for follow-up ultrasound and laboratory confirmation identified.
Recommendations
- Establish regular quarterly FibroScan outreach clinics.
- Integrate community screening into national hepatitis programs.
- Expand awareness on vaccination and antiviral treatment access.
- Partner with international hepatology societies for training & equipment.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
- National Viral Hepatitis Program, Ministry of Health & Human Services
- Waaberi Hospital Administration
- First Liver Center Somalia
