SOMALIA ON HIGH ALERT AS HEPATITIS B CASES RISE SHARPLY

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Ministry of Health has issued a nationwide alert following a rapid surge in hepatitis B infections, warning that the outbreak could severely strain the country’s already fragile healthcare system.

In an official advisory, the Ministry is urging the public to visit nearby health centres for testing and take advantage of the available vaccines before the situation worsens.

Citizens are also being asked to watch out for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea, and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Health Dr. Ali Haji Adam raised the alarm, stating:

> “Hepatitis is a silent but deadly threat to public health. We must act to prevent its spread by scaling up testing, vaccination, and public awareness.”

He further noted that both urban centres and remote villages—especially those with inadequate healthcare infrastructure—are witnessing a disturbing increase in infections.

Dr. Ali warned that if the spread is not addressed quickly, it may place immense pressure on Somalia’s health services.

To combat the outbreak, the Ministry announced plans to deploy mobile health units to hard-to-reach areas for hepatitis screening and vaccinations. At the same time, discussions with international health organisations are underway to strengthen disease tracking and surveillance systems.

Dr. Ali also called on civil society groups, medical workers, and religious leaders to help amplify public education on the disease, encouraging testing and vaccination at the community level.

Hepatitis is a group of viral infections that affect the liver. Hepatitis B, in particular, is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure, or death if not detected and treated early.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with both local and international partners to safeguard the Somali population from further outbreaks and prevent a full-scale health crisis.