Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Federal Minister of Health and Human Services, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, today officially opened a national consultative meeting in Mogadishu aimed at developing Somalia’s first comprehensive National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Hepatitis for the period 2025–2030.
The two-day forum brings together national health experts, representatives from federal member states, the Somali Medical Association, academic institutions, hospitals, and key international health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other stakeholders.
In his opening address, Minister Aden stressed the urgency of addressing hepatitis as a silent but growing public health threat in Somalia. He emphasized the need for a unified national strategy to curb the spread of the disease, which poses both health and economic risks to communities. “This plan will form the foundation of our collective efforts to reduce the burden of infectious diseases,” he stated, calling for strong coordination and ownership from all sectors.
Participants are expected to collaboratively generate evidence-based recommendations, develop a unified approach, and define the roles of both governmental and non-governmental actors in the fight against hepatitis. Discussions will also cover the national prevalence of the disease, key challenges, public awareness strategies, and best practices from other countries.
Representatives from WHO and Africa CDC commended the Somali government’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and pledged continued technical and scientific support. They also shared global insights and success stories that could inform Somalia’s strategy.
The Ministry of Health hopes the outcomes of the forum will lead to a results-driven national plan capable of reducing hepatitis transmission and improving community resilience by 2030. The Ministry called on all stakeholders to contribute to the implementation phase to help realize the vision of a healthier, hepatitis-free Somalia.
