Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar, on Friday officially opened a two-day National Consultation Workshop aimed at developing the country’s 2025–2030 Hepatitis Prevention and Control Strategy.
Held in Mogadishu, the workshop brings together national health experts, international partners, civil society representatives, and technical advisors to craft a comprehensive, multisectoral roadmap to combat hepatitis across Somalia. The initiative seeks to align Somalia’s efforts with the global health goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abubakar emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing hepatitis, which he described as a “silent but deadly disease” affecting thousands of Somalis—many of whom are unaware of their infection.
“This strategy will lay the foundation for coordinated national efforts to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We must strengthen our health systems, enhance data collection, and ensure equitable access to care,” said Dr. Abubakar.
The consultation comes at a crucial time, as Somalia grapples with high levels of undiagnosed hepatitis B and C infections, limited testing infrastructure, and low public awareness.
According to the Ministry of Health, hepatitis remains a leading cause of chronic liver disease and preventable deaths in the country.
Participants at the workshop are expected to review existing policies, share evidence-based practices, and identify gaps in financing, workforce capacity, and service delivery. The strategy will also address vaccination, infection control, and outreach for high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and people living with HIV.
Key partners supporting the workshop include the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations agencies, local NGOs, and regional health experts.
The final 2025–2030 strategy is expected to be released later this year and will guide nationwide implementation plans aimed at dramatically reducing hepatitis-related illness and mortality.