Event Title: Hepatitis IDPs Awareness & Screening Campaign – World Hepatitis Day 2023
Organizers: Somali Hepatitis initiative, Abrar University, SomGastro Clinic, Liver Center Somalia
Duration: 1 week (July 2023)
Venue: IDP Camps, Mogadishu
Objectives
- Raise awareness on Hepatitis B & C among vulnerable IDP populations.
- Provide free community-based screening and subsidized vaccination.
- Link hepatitis-positive individuals to specialist care.
Activities Conducted
- Awareness sessions in Somali language focusing on prevention and stigma reduction.
- Free Hepatitis B & C tests for IDPs of all ages.
- Subsidized Hepatitis B vaccines administered to those eligible.
- Counseling & referral services for hepatitis-positive patients to liver specialists.
Achievements
- Over 600 IDPs screened for Hepatitis B & C.
- 100+ individuals vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
- 20+ hepatitis-positive patients referred for follow-up care.
- Strong community participation with youth, women, and elders actively engaged.
Challenges
- Limited resources restricted scaling to more IDP camps.
- High demand for vaccination exceeded available doses.
Conclusion
The campaign marked a historic first in Somalia’s hepatitis response within IDP communities, aligning with global World Hepatitis Day 2023 efforts. Somali Hepatitis initiative demonstrated that community-centered outreach is essential for hepatitis elimination by 2030.
