Eliminating hepatitis B in Sierra Leone.
01.
Take Care
Get Tested Today and Know Your Status
About Us
About Us
KnowHep Foundation Sierra Leone is dedicated to ending viral hepatitis through screening, education, advocacy, and community engagement. Since 2019, we've directly impacted over 2,380 lives through our comprehensive hepatitis elimination programs. We are fighting the silent epidemic that affects 1 in 7 Sierra Leoneans.
Founded by Dr. Manal Ghazzawi, a specialist pharmacist and recognized hepatitis advocate, KnowHep Foundation Sierra Leone emerged from the urgent need to address the hepatitis B epidemic in our country. As a proud member organization of the World Hepatitis Alliance, we work to bridge critical gaps in Sierra Leone's healthcare system.
The Challenge We Face
With approximately 8.6 million people, Sierra Leone faces one of the world's highest hepatitis B prevalence rates at around 14.3% - meaning roughly 1.2 million Sierra Leoneans are chronically infected. This rate is dramatically higher than the global average of 3.5% and places Sierra Leone among the most affected countries worldwide, alongside other West African nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
90% of babies born to infected mothers will develop chronic infection without intervention
Sierra Leone has not yet implemented the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine
Widespread discrimination against people living with hepatitis B
Limited access to testing and treatment services
We can create a better tomorrow
Every dollar counts and helps us bring hope and essential resources to those in need.
Get Involved
Geographic Reach
Our programs span across Sierra Leone including Freetown, Kono, Moyamba, Waterloo, and rural communities through partnerships with local health facilities. Healthcare Capacity Building:
Over 93 healthcare workers across 8 community health centers have been trained on hepatitis protocols, supported by ongoing technical assistance and mentorship programs to ensure sustainable, quality care delivery.
Highlights:
- Launched comprehensive screening of 500 pregnant women in Rotifunk, Moyamba District
- Continued advocacy for hepatitis B birth dose implementation
- Expanded catch-up vaccination services
KNOW ABOUT US
International Recognition:
- Dr. Manal Ghazzawi co-chaired World Hepatitis Summit 2024
- Featured in international hepatitis elimination campaigns
Strategic Partnerships:
We work closely with leading organizations to maximize our impact:
- World Hepatitis Alliance – Global advocacy and technical support
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination – Program development partnership
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone – Policy implementation
- Partners in Health (PIH) – Clinical care collaboration
Major Milestones:
- Screened 200 pregnant women across 8 facilities in Koidu district
- Donated 300 vaccine vials to Masanga Hospital, protecting 600 newborns
- Conducted training for 50+ participants in public health education
Our Partners
