Support in the elimination of viral hepatitis in Kalat, Angalile and Haledabi Kabele in Zone 3-Afar Region - January to 2024 to December 2026
Acute and chronic viral hepatitis make a substantial contribution to the burden of chronic diseases and the premature mortality they cause. Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries where viral hepatitis is endemic where the highest prevalence rate being found in the Afar region, with a staggering 28.8%.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Ethiopia considers viral hepatitis prevention and control measures in line with the current drive to strengthen health systems which includes reaching every child with immunization programs that include hepatitis B vaccine, protecting against mother-to-child transmission of viruses, ensuring the safety of blood transfusion services and injection practices.
The latest version of the National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis in Ethiopia (2021-2025) is intended to scale-up viral hepatitis preventive measures, and standardize screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with viral hepatitis to improve outcomes through reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
With the generous funding support from Fullife foundation this project is designed based on the strategic action plan developed by the MoH, with the ambition to contribute to the MoH efforts through a system strengthening approach.
Building on the work that Barefoot Initiative and Waklisa have been carrying out in the 8 villages of Angalile and Kalat Kebele through the ‘Improving Access to Safe Drinking Water’ project, this project will target these same villages and in addition expand to Haledabi Kebele. In total, 15 villages, 1,786 households and 45 health care workers from 3 health posts and 1 health centre will be reached under this 3 year intervention (2024 to Dec 2026).
Project Goal
Support the national response to the elimination of viral hepatitis in Afar region through advocacy, communication and social mobilization using culturally adapted, accessible and appropriate communication and education materials and methods of community mobilization.
Over 3 years activities will be implemented to support the following two outcomes:
Improve community awareness on viral hepatitis through culturally adapted and appropriate communication and social mobilization
Reduce the morbidity and mortality from viral hepatitis through improving early detection, referral, and vaccination.