ABAC is a community driven coalition that empowers Civil Society to work towards hepatitis B elimination

Together we can eliminate hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to collaborate with civil society organizations across the globe to advance community-led efforts in hepatitis B elimination. These trusted local partners have deep roots in their communities and a clear understanding of the unique health challenges and needs in their regions.

Recognizing the difficulty in securing sustained funding for viral hepatitis initiatives, we offer financial support to community organizations whenever possible. In addition to funding, we remain committed to providing ongoing technical assistance, strategic guidance, and capacity-building support to help amplify their impact.

Over the years, we have supported grassroots initiatives focused on increasing hepatitis B awareness, expanding access to community-based testing, and advancing advocacy efforts. These projects span a diverse range of countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, the Philippines, Cameroon, China, Vietnam, Mali, and many more.

Below, you can explore the impactful projects we’ve supported — each led by dedicated community partners working tirelessly toward hepatitis B elimination.

Partners in Ghana

Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana

Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana

Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana

The Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana seeks to promote awareness of the prevalence and incidence of viral hepatitis in Ghana, and to educate the public in the prevention of the spread of the virus and the available treatment options. We also provide care and psychosocial support to the infected and affected people and their families. In addition, it seeks to serve as the primary source of information for patients and their families. The majority of their work revolves around educating the public while providing basic healthcare services regarding HBV while also advocating for better services for people living with hepatitis. 

Objectives:

  1. To prevent Hepatitis B spread amongst people or patients and their families.
  2. To provide treatment, care, support and psychosocial support for infected and affected people and their families.
  3. Promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families and the general public.

The Hepatitis B Foundation has supported the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana since 2017.

Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana is has more recently been supported in 2025 to

  1. Acquire comprehensive data to understand the burden of HBV in Ghanaian prisons,
  2. To inform decision making for Global funds resources for prisons and
  3. Create awareness and education, testing and vaccination campaign to address the critical need for promoting hepatitis knowledge, preventive measures, and healthy lifestyle choices among prisoners.

This project aims to empower prisoners with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. In addition, by increasing awareness and education testing and vaccination and linkage to care, we strive to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve overall health outcomes. This project also aims to increase hepatitis testing and vaccination opportunities for prisoners in selected prisons in Ghana and facilitate appropriate linkage to care. It also aims to obtain comprehensive data for decision-making for Global funds resources for prisons and to foster partnerships in expanding the scope of implementation. Efforts will be made to protect anyone who tests positive against discrimination through efforts in education, stakeholder support and accurate knowledge on hepatitis B.

Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana 

The Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana (HAG) is a non-governmental organization operating in five out of 16 regions in Ghana to create a society free from viral hepatitis. The HAG aims to increase political will to implement the hepatitis national plan, increase knowledge amongst healthcare providers and Increase knowledge amongst selected communities. Their core functions include five areas of work: advocacy, patient support, awareness creation, capacity building and research. You may reference a list of HAG publications here.

 HAG Projects:
οYouth Hepafocus Project 
οZero Newborn Hepa-infection 
οHelp-4-Hep B & C Project 
ο

Advocacy for Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination in Ghana 

The project funding covered four areas: training of healthcare providers, advocacy to high level officials, policymakers, and media, production of culturally sensitive communication products, and outreach to students at the University of Ghana. 

Project accomplishments: 

  • Organized a two-day workshop for midwives in the region on the topic “Reconceptualizing midwives’ role in preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B in primary healthcare facilities.” Sixty midwives and seven nurses were in attendance.
  • Met with government to discuss the need for the government of Ghana to prioritize the introduction of birth dose as part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
  • Formed an “Information, Education and Communication” (IEC) content developers’ team to create IEC materials on hepatitis B birth dose vaccination.
  • Created an information desk at the University of Ghana campus to provide over 150 students with hepatitis B information through one-on-one interactions and group presentations.

Reaching the Unreached International 

Project:Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Among Rural Residents of Bosuama Community, Bono East, Ghana 
 Objective:Improving awareness and assessing prevalence of hepatitis B in the Bosuama community in Ghana. 

Partners in Mali

Action pour le Développement de l'Initiative Locale - ONG ADILO

Local community members from Action pour le Développement de l'Initiative Locale sharing the hepatitis B resources.

The STOP HEPATITIS B Campaign

  • Liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Malians. Second among women after cervical cancer (Association for Health and Development).  
  • 2 out of 10 pregnant women are infected with hepatitis B (Pr Youssouf TRAORE Gynecologist). 

As a result of the program, 1,000 posters were printed and posted in health centers or distributed to communities; Translation of campaign materials into Manding language, One round table discussion with a doctor specializing in image and audio, of which 3,000,000 people were reached. The radio programs are broadcast for 6 months by local radio stations in local languages and have raised awareness among 15,000 people. The publication of videos, photos, messages on social networks (Facebook, WhatsApp) with 10 thousand people reached. A total of 70 door-to-door sensitization sessions carried out, with 1,000 people sensitized. Additionally, two days of organized voluntary screening, of which 300 people were screened.  

Project Overview: Community-Based Hepatitis B Screening in Kéniéba, Mali, 2025-2026

Project Leads: Mountaga Diallo, MD, MPH, University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) and Djeneba FOFANA-KAMPO, PharmD, Msc, PhD, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali

This pilot project explores the effectiveness of a community-based approach to hepatitis B screening and care in the rural district of Kéniéba, Mali. From December 2024 to April 2025, researchers studied access to viral load testing and hepatitis B (HBV) care among pregnant women across local health centers. Alarmingly, 12% tested positive for HBsAg, but most did not receive the recommended care due to gaps in training, resources, and cultural perceptions that downplay the seriousness of HBV.

To address this, the study introduces a targeted screening model focused on communities around diagnosed cases. By involving local leaders, training health workers, and mapping high-prevalence clusters, the intervention aims to reduce HBV transmission and align care practices with WHO guidelines.

Goals

  • Primary Goal: Evaluate the impact of community cluster-based HBV screening on improving detection and access to appropriate care.

  • Secondary Goals:

    • Assess community knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to care.

    • Map HBV prevalence in remote areas.

    • Measure the operational effectiveness of the intervention.

Study Design

  • Location: Kéniéba district (Kayes region), targeting two health centers: Djibouria (intervention site) and Sitakili (comparison site).

  • Methodology: Quasi-experimental and qualitative (focus groups, interviews).

  • Participants: Community members aged 1+ and health stakeholders.

Phases

  1. Baseline Assessment: Community consultations, interviews, and focus groups to assess HBV knowledge and perceptions.

  2. Intervention Implementation:

    • Community mobilization and training at the intervention site.

    • Health worker training at both sites.

  3. Screening Rollout: Free rapid diagnostic testing and household screenings based on index cases.

Expected Outcomes

  • Scalable model for HBV screening and care in rural settings.

  • Data to guide national HBV elimination policies.

  • Increased screening, vaccination, and treatment uptake.

Partners in Nigeria

Rise Against Hepatitis Global Initiative

RAHGI leadership sharing educational resources on hepatitis B in their local communities.

This project successfully improved awareness throughout Imo State, Nigeria to address knowledge gaps, and misconceptions, and foster community understanding of hepatitis B and its impact. This initiative focused on local community-based education utilizing the Hepatitis B Foundation’s resources for African communities and also targeted efforts to improve awareness among youth. This project helped to grow the Anti-Hepatitis Club which encouraged youth to get involved in educating their local communities. 

Jeneso Development Initiative

Jeneso Development Initiative providing education using Hepatitis B Foundation’s resources to their local community.

Sensitization and screening sessions were conducted in three locations: Yola North, LCCN Cathedral Jimeta-Yola North and Maiha. Over 20 days in Yola North, 210 participants were sensitized on hepatitis B and the importance of getting tested for the disease through an interactive teaching method using a hepatitis B flip chart. The leadership provided resources for the activity, so roughly 210 participants were successfully screened and 40 were vaccinated. Also, sensitization sessions were conducted with the Sunday School Teachers Unit of the LCCN Cathedral, Nassarawo Jimeta-Yola Admawa state. A total of 46 people were sensitized to hepatitis B.

The leadership provided resources for the activity therefore roughly 45 members were screened and 56 vaccinated free. In Maiha, a similar education and screening event was conducted, with roughly 46 participants sensitized and 20 screened. Lastly, to celebrate World Hepatitis Day, a sensitization session was organized and carried out with Persons Living with Disabilities at their state office over the month of July. Over the month of July, a total of 120 people were sensitized on hepatitis B, and leadership provided resource for the screening of 101 members and vaccination of 56 members for free. On World Hepatitis Day, 77 people attended an educational event, and 67 were screened.  

The Jeneso Development Initiative supported by the Hepatitis B Foundation worked to improve the uptake of hepatitis B screening and vaccination among the Rumde community in Nigeria through targeted outreach. Activities included radio sessions, provision of free hepatitis B testing and vaccination, and counseling sessions to raise awareness about hepatitis B and liver cancer. The following report highlights the goals and methods of the project along with key findings. Please read more here.

Hepatits Advocacy Foundation

Project Title: Exploring Opportunities to Strengthen Viral Hepatitis Response in Delta State: Community Pharmacists as Case Finders and Gate Keepers through the Implementation of a Novel HepMed-Access + Initiative 

In Delta State, a significant gap exists between identifying viral hepatitis cases and connecting them to appropriate care, leaving many individuals undiagnosed and untreated. With an estimated 884,000 people living with viral hepatitis B and C in the state, it has become imperative to explore all possible avenues to reach the missing thousands and link them to the right care.One promising approach to address this gap is to collaborate with community pharmacists, who are often the first point of contact for patients and have built strong relationships with their communities over the years. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify cases, provide initial counseling, and refer patients to specialized care. By training and empowering these healthcare providers to identify cases and connect patients to person-centered care and follow-up, we can significantly strengthen our efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis in the state by 2026, as targeted.   

To achieve this, both the HAF and the HBF will constitute a consortium to collaborate with the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Delta State Chapter for a successful implementation of this project. Thereafter, facilitate a 2-day capacity-building workshop for community pharmacists in Delta State to serve as first step for implantation. By empowering community pharmacists with these skills, we can expand our reach and impact, ensuring that more individuals receive the care they need to manage their condition and prevent complications. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate viral hepatitis in Delta State by 2026, and this collaboration is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. 

Project Title: Strengthening Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention: Insights from Pilot Implementation in Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer globally, with perinatal transmission representing the predominant route of new infections in high-burden countries like Nigeria. Despite significant prevalence, screening, diagnosis, and timely intervention for HBV among pregnant women remain sub-optimal in Nigeria, contributing to ongoing morbidity and mortality.

This analysis assessed the impact of interventions to reduce perinatal HBV transmission in five pilot health facilities in Delta State, Nigeria. It evaluated HBV and HCV prevalence among pregnant women, timing of ANC booking, linkage to care for HBV-positive women, and HepB birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccination coverage and timeliness. All pregnant women at five health facilities were screened at first ANC visit for HBV and HCV using rapid testing. HBV-positive women were linked to care and initiated on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis. The proportion of newborns receiving timely HepB-BD vaccination (within 24 hours of birth) was measured pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Chi-squared.

A total of 2,844 pregnant women were screened for HBV and HCV. The pooled prevalence of HBV infection among the study population was found to be 1.86% (95% CI: 1.35% – 2.37%), six times higher than HCV (0.3%). A Chi-squared test for homogeneity was conducted to determine if the proportion of HBV reactive individuals varied significantly across the five facilities. The test revealed a statistically significant difference in HBV prevalence across facilities (χ² = 11.49, df = 4, p = 0.021). Most women (53.4%) booked ANC in the second trimester. Following intervention, the likelihood of newborns receiving HepB-BD vaccination on any day of the week increased from a baseline average of 40% to 100%. Project-StopHepB interventions significantly improved early identification, linkage to care, and timely HepB-BD vaccination, effectively closing gaps in HBV prevention of perinatal transmission. These findings support the scale-up of similar interventions to advance HBV elimination goals across other facilities in the state, in Nigeria and to prevent new HBV infections in future.

 

Hepatitis B Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and African Field Epidemiology Network

Project Title: Addressing Hepatitis B Birth dose in Enugu and Adamawa States, Nigeria

To better understand the uptake of HepB-BD and improve its use, the Hepatitis B Foundation and partners (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria Ministry of Health and African Field Epidemiology Network) aimed 1) to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing the HepB-BD for children born to pregnant women participating in antenatal care in the Adamawa and Enugu states of Nigeria, 2) to evaluate the impact of provider-based training for health care professionals involved in labor and delivery and routine immunization related to hepatitis B and the importance of timely HepB-BD administration and 3) to disseminate study findings, including lessons learned, methods, and proof of concept to work towards expanding this program and improving the timely administration of HepB-BD beyond the context of this study.

Findings from the qualitative analysis demonstrate major barriers to lack of knowledge of HBV among healthcare workers, misconceptions related to vaccination contraindications, the low knowledge of the implications of the timeliness of HepB-BD administration, and vaccination wastage concerns. For pregnant women, there was low knowledge overall of hepatitis B disease but wiliness to take vaccination if it was recommended by healthcare workers. After confirming these significant knowledge gaps, training for healthcare workers was designed to emphasize the importance of timely HepB-BD. To assess uptake of timely HepB-BD vaccination administration change before and after the intervention a generalized linear mixed model was performed. Results show the rate of timely HepB-BD administration grew by 90% more in the intervention group compared to the control group over selected time points during the intervention and adjusting for the state. The intervention package and resources provided to pregnant women during ANC improved the uptake of timely HepB-BD after the intervention. To sustain improvements, the Nigerian government should continue to support capacity building of healthcare staff, generate vaccine demand by educating communities on the importance of routine immunization, and support outreach immunization services targeting hard-to-reach communities. This work was presented at the Conference on Liver Disease in Africa in 2022 (Hepatitis B Birth Dose Assessment in Nigeria) and in 2023 as an oral presentation demonstration of the efficacy the package of interventions.

Freeland C, Kanu F, Mohammed Y, Nwokoro UU, Sandhu H, et al. (2023) Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis B birth dose vaccination: Perspectives from healthcare providers and pregnant women accessing antenatal care in Nigeria. PLOS Global Public Health 3(6): e0001332. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001332

Freeland, Catherine, “Strategies for Improving Hepatitis B Birth Dose in Nigeria” (2023). ProQuest ETD Collection – Thomas Jefferson University. AAI30425011.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/dissertations/AAI30425011

Uba, Belinda V.; Mohammed, Yahaya; et. al. Health Facility Capacity and Health-care Worker Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth-dose and Maternal Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine Administration in Nigeria: A Baseline Assessment. Annals of African Medicine 24(1): p 113-123, Jan–Mar 2025. DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_28_24

Partners in Uganda

Great Lakes Peace Center

 

Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign – Kasese, Uganda

Project time period: 2023-2024

Objective
To raise awareness about Hepatitis B among rural communities, reduce stigma, promote screening and vaccination, and engage stakeholders for policy change.
Key Activities
  • Community Education Events: 4 sessions using “I Know Hepatitis B” materials in local languages.
  • Table Talks: 4 small group discussions with young mothers and Hepatitis B ambassadors.
  • Barazas (Community Dialogues): With local leaders, religious and cultural figures.
  • Healthcare Worker Training: 2 sessions with 100 workers on HBV prevention and care.
  • Media Outreach: Radio jingles (6 months), 3 radio shows, 1 TV appearance, social media posts (5,000+ reached).
  • Support Group Launched: Bwera Women for Peace and Health Initiative to support positive mothers.

Key Results

  • Raised awareness across over 100 villages.
  • Created toll-free line for HBV support: +256 706 837769.
  • Contributed to formation of Parliamentary Hepatitis Forum.
  • Engaged 40 leaders and 100 health professionals.
  • Participated in the development of Uganda’s National Hepatitis Strategic Plan (2022–2026).

Challenges

  • Low awareness and persistent stigma.
  • Lack of local health education and follow-up services.
  • Limited HBV testing kits and treatment access.
  • Inadequate government funding for hepatitis programs.

Next Steps

  • Expand campaign to other high-risk districts and fishing communities.
  • Train more health workers and community activists.
  • Finalize MoUs with the Parliamentary Hepatitis Forum.
  • Strengthen local health systems with resources and staff.
  • Continue community support through women-led initiatives.

Conclusion

This campaign has made significant progress in raising Hepatitis B awareness, reducing stigma, and influencing national policy. Continued engagement with local communities and government is key to ensuring lasting impact.

 

The National Organisation for People Living with Hepatitis B

The National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B in Uganda (NOPLHB) is a national non-profit organization, established in 2012 by Ugandans living and affected by Hepatitis B. Since its inception, it has built capacities of 1,120 frontline health workers in the management and response, including treatment of hepatitis; engaged 1,500 stakeholders (religious leaders, cultural leaders, politicians, media personalities and patients in hepatitis prevention and advocacy efforts and 300 Village Health Teams been oriented on hepatitis to support communication health education and mobilization. Their vision is to build a Hepatitis B Free Society. The NOPLHB’s mission is to become the largest organization fighting hepatitis B infection in Uganda and the region. 
 Objectives: 
1.Advocacy towards elimination of viral hepatitis in Uganda. 
2.To collaborate with the Ministry of Health and global partners to strengthen health systems, support capacity building efforts and raise awareness of hepatitis B.
3.Support economic empowerment of vulnerable populations. 
4.Improve the quality of life for people living with hepatitis B. 

HBF’s Partnership with NOPLHB: 

The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to partner with the National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B in Uganda (NOPLHB) to support their mission and objectives. As part of our collaborative efforts, we aim to share 30 stories of individuals affected by hepatitis B in Uganda through our #BtheVoice storytelling program. Through this project, we seek to amplify the voices of those living with hepatitis B, raise awareness about the impact of the disease, and advocate for greater support and resources for affected communities. 

Through joint initiatives and collaborative projects, including the expansion of the #BtheVoice story bank with video stories, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hepatitis B and contribute to the health and well-being of communities in Uganda. 

Community Hepatitis Outreach – Nyakayaga Village, Uganda

Organized by: ATUHAIRE ANTHONY (Regional Hepatitis Focal Person) & National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B (NOPLHB)
 Location: Nyakayaga Village and Surrounding Areas
 Dates: 2-Day Outreach
 Target Population: ~500 Residents
 Primary Livelihood: Subsistence Farming

Overview

This two-day medical outreach aimed to raise awareness, screen, and link individuals to care for Hepatitis B, C, and D in Nyakayaga village, where knowledge and prevention of hepatitis remain limited. The campaign addressed critical gaps in Uganda’s public health response to viral hepatitis, which remains under-prioritized compared to other communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness about Hepatitis B, C, and D

  • Educate on prevention, control, and transmission

  • Screen for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)

  • Collect samples and refer positive patients for care

  • Initiate treatment and monitoring for eligible patients

Services Provided

  • General consultation

  • Laboratory testing (HBsAg, glucose, etc.)

  • Hepatitis B vaccination

  • Health education sessions

  • Blood donation services

Medical Team & Departments

  • Medical doctors, lab technicians, nurses, counselors, support staff

  • Participation from medical students (KIU & Mbarara University)

  • Local authorities and community leaders supported mobilization

Partners Involved

  • Ministry of Health, Uganda

  • NOPLHB

  • Hepatitis B Foundation

  • Hep Free S-W Organisation

  • Uganda Blood Transfusion Services

  • Kampala International University

  • Mbarara University of Science and Technology

  • Local District Authorities

Outreach Results

  • Total Targeted: 500

  • Tested: 204 (113 females, 91 males)

  • Positive Cases: 22 (9 females, 13 males)

  • Known cases (follow-up): 6

  • Newly diagnosed: 16 (samples sent to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for follow-up)

Key Findings & Lessons Learned

  • Poor community awareness and widespread misinformation

  • Adult males were less likely to participate in testing

  • Cultural misconceptions and fear surrounding vaccination

  • Financial and logistical barriers to follow-up care

    “I can’t wait to stop the discrimination of people living with Hepatitis.”
     — Regional Hepatitis Focal Person