By Sumaila Koroma
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED), a local non-governmental development organization, February 11, 2025, organized a one-day information session workshop focused on increasing Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) vaccination for newborns within the first 24 hours of life in Sierra Leone.
The aim of the workshop was to address the critical need to improve vaccination coverage and protect newborns from Hepatitis B, a preventable yet potentially life-threatening disease in Sierra Leone.
One important objective of the session was to educate participants about the significance of Hepatitis B Birth Dose vaccination and the latest World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines.
This knowledge-sharing component ensured that health professionals and community leaders are equipped with up-to-date information that can effectively support the vaccination initiatives.
The workshop commenced with an opening address by the Executive Director, SEED, Mohamed Salia, who outlined the project’s objectives and emphasized the importance of ensuring timely Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns.
He also acknowledged the support of the primary project donor, The Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, which has been instrumental in advancing Hepatitis B vaccination efforts worldwide.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including pediatricians, hospital matrons, representatives from the National Health Agency, academic doctors and professors from Njala University’s Department of Public Health, local chiefs, and government officials.
These participants represented the various sectors that are essential to the successful implementation and scaling up of the HepB-BD vaccination program across Sierra Leone.
A key highlight of the workshop was the introduction of the project to participants and the selection of 30 key implementation partners and collaborators.
These partners, drawn from health facilities, religious organizations, and Njala University’s Public Health Department, will play a crucial role in rolling out the HepB-BD vaccination campaign across the country.
Throughout the workshop, the 40 participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the challenges hindering the scaling up of HepB-BD vaccination programs.
These challenges included vaccine availability, logistical issues, limited public awareness, and resource constraints. Participants also shared valuable lessons learned from previous vaccination campaigns and developed strategies to overcome these barriers.
The workshop concluded with a radio discussion program, where participants shared their newly acquired knowledge with the broader community.
This platform allowed them to raise public awareness about the importance of the HepB-BD vaccination and disseminate the outcomes of the workshop to a wider audience.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in the fight against Hepatitis B in Sierra Leone. By fostering collaboration and increasing awareness, SEED and its partners are taking crucial steps to protect newborns from this preventable disease and improve public health outcomes in the country.
