HSS Launches National Hepatitis Elimination Campaign
Introduction
The Hepatology Society of Somalia (HSS) has officially launched a historic and ambitious National Hepatitis Elimination Campaign, a 5-year nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating hepatitis B and C as public health threats in Somalia. The campaign marks one of the most comprehensive liver-health interventions ever undertaken in the country.
The launch reflects HSS’s commitment to reducing liver-related morbidity and mortality, strengthening healthcare systems, and supporting the Somalia National Hepatitis Elimination Strategy (2025–2030).
Background: A Critical National Health Priority
Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) remain among the most serious health challenges in Somalia. Epidemiological estimates indicate that:
- Somalia has one of the highest prevalence rates of viral hepatitis in the Horn of Africa.
- Hepatitis B affects up to 10% of the population in some regions.
- Hepatitis C, though less common, remains a major cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Late diagnosis and limited access to treatment contribute heavily to liver-related deaths.
The new HSS campaign aims to reverse this trend through early detection, prevention, treatment access, and nationwide awareness programs.
Campaign Goals (2025–2030)
The National Hepatitis Elimination Campaign is designed around six core objectives:
1. Universal Screening and Early Detection
HSS will expand hepatitis B and C screening across all regions, focusing on:
- Antenatal clinics
- Schools and universities
- IDP camps
- High-risk populations
- Regional hospitals and health centers
2. Vaccination Expansion
In partnership with the Ministry of Health and WHO, the campaign will:
- Increase access to the hepatitis B vaccine
- Strengthen birth-dose vaccination programs
- Conduct community vaccination drives
3. Access to Treatment and Care
- Facilitate affordable access to antiviral therapy
- Strengthen liver clinics in major cities
- Train healthcare workers in HBV/HCV case management
- Ensure referral pathways for advanced liver diseases
4. National Hepatitis Registry Development
HSS will lead the creation of the Somali Hepatitis Registry, a centralized system to track cases, monitor trends, and guide national policy.
5. Public Awareness & Community Engagement
A multi-channel awareness strategy will include:
- Media campaigns (TV, radio, social media)
- Community education sessions
- School outreach programs
- Religious/community leader involvement
6. Research, Surveillance & Data Strengthening
HSS will coordinate hepatitis research, including:
- Prevalence mapping
- Risk-factor analysis
- Treatment outcome studies
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance
Key Stakeholders & Partners
The campaign is implemented in collaboration with:
- Somalia Ministry of Health & Human Services
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Somali Society of Gastroenterology (SSG)
- Hospitals, medical universities, and NGOs
- International hepatology networks
Together, these partners will strengthen screening, diagnostics, vaccination coverage, and treatment accessibility nationwide.
Launch Ceremony Highlights
The national launch event was held in Mogadishu with participation from:
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Health
- Hepatologists and gastroenterologists from across Somalia
- Representatives of WHO and international partners
- Public-health experts, NGOs, and medical students
Speakers emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action and expressed strong commitment to achieving elimination by 2030.
Planned Activities – 2025 Rollout
HSS will immediately begin implementing key initiatives:
Quarter 1–2, 2025
- Screening drives in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Kismayo & Garowe
- Training of 300+ healthcare providers
- Pilot hepatitis registry deployment
- Launch of awareness campaigns on media
Quarter 3–4, 2025
- Nationwide vaccination drives
- Free hepatitis B & C treatment programs in selected centers
- Publication of new diagnostic & treatment guidelines
- Launch of Somali Hepatitis Week (June 2025)
Quotes from HSS Leadership
Dr. [President Name], President of HSS:
“This campaign marks a turning point for liver health in Somalia. Our vision is clear: no Somali should die from a preventable or treatable liver disease.”
HSS Secretary-General:
“Through global partnerships and national coordination, we aim to bring hepatitis elimination within reach for the first time.”
How the Public Can Get Involved
HSS encourages citizens to:
- Participate in free screening programs
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Attend awareness events
- Share hepatitis information within their communities
- Support individuals living with liver disease
Media Contact
Hepatology Society of Somalia (HSS)
📍 Mogadishu, Somalia
📧 Info@HSS.org
🌐 SomaliaHepatology.org
