Tribute from the Founders of the Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis)
Honoring Prof. Khalif Bile Mohamud, M.D., Ph.D.
The Pioneer of Viral Hepatitis in Somalia
Founding Patron & Honorary Chairperson, Somali Hepatitis Trust
A Founding Inspiration
The Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis) proudly recognizes Prof. Khalif Bile Mohamud as the Pioneer of Viral Hepatitis in Somalia a title earned through decades of unwavering dedication to science, service, and humanity. His lifelong pursuit of knowledge, public-health equity, and disease prevention has shaped the very foundation on which our national hepatitis response now stands.
From his earliest days as one of Somalia’s first gastroenterologists to his leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Somali National University (1980–1986), Prof. Khalif demonstrated an extraordinary vision: that the nation’s health could only be strengthened through education, research, and community-oriented service. His pioneering studies in the 1980s and 1990s were the first to reveal the burden of viral hepatitis in Somali populations — transforming silence into scientific evidence and advocacy.
Building a National Legacy
Prof. Khalif’s leadership extended far beyond academia. As National Coordinator of Liver Disease Research and later as WHO Medical Officer and Representative, he elevated Somali health diplomacy to the global stage. Through his service in Somalia, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, he championed primary-health-care systems, disease control, and human-resource development — proving that Somali expertise could influence international policy.
His tenure at the World Health Organization (1986–2010) included launching community health initiatives that reached millions, guiding emergency health responses, and shaping WHO’s collaborative programs in fragile states. These achievements reflected his lifelong conviction that equitable health is both a human right and a national responsibility.
A Mentor, Scholar, and Nation Builder
To generations of Somali doctors, researchers, and health advocates, Prof. Khalif is more than a teacher he is a moral compass. His mentorship produced the country’s leading clinicians and policy experts, many of whom now carry forward his principles of science-based care and public service.
Today, his influence continues through his post-retirement roles as Advisor to the Federal Ministry of Health, Editor-in-Chief of the Somali Health Action Journal (SHAJ), and Founding Patron of SHT. His recent publications in The Lancet Global Health, Global Health Action, and Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal reaffirm his enduring relevance and intellectual vigor.
The Pioneer of Hepatitis Elimination in Somalia
Prof. Khalif’s early advocacy for hepatitis vaccination, blood safety, and national surveillance laid the groundwork for the Somali National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2025–2030). His research and moral leadership continue to guide SHT’s mission to eliminate hepatitis as a public-health threat and ensure that every Somali has access to screening, prevention, and treatment.
Through his example, we have learned that progress in public health is built not only on data and policy — but on courage, integrity, and compassion.
A Living Legacy
The Founders and Board of the Somali Hepatitis Trust unanimously recognize:
Prof. Khalif Bile Mohamud, M.D., Ph.D.
as the Founding Patron, Honorary Chairperson, and Pioneer of Viral Hepatitis in Somalia.
His legacy is our compass; his vision, our mandate.
May his lifetime of service continue to inspire all those who dedicate their hearts and minds to the health of Somalia.
Issued by:
Founders of the Somali Hepatitis Trust (SomHepatitis)
Mogadishu, Somalia — July 2024
