Launch of the Somali National Hepatitis Control and Elimination Strategy (2025

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.