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Call for Abstracts - Now Open |
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Contribute to the program and showcase your work at SOLDA's Annual Conference - COLDA 2025! Be part of the movement advancing liver health in Africa by submitting your abstract. We welcome submissions on key topics such as:
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🗹 HBV & HCV Prevention, Testing, and Treatment
🗹 Liver Disease Diagnostics and Innovations
🗹 Paediatric Liver Disease
🗹 Cirrhosis, HCC, and End-Stage Liver Disease
…and more!
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View submission guidelines and submit your abstract today.
Abstract submitters are strongly encouraged to use person-first language in their abstracts. View the video tutorial and guidelines here.
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ABSTRACT TRAVEL AWARD - APPLY NOW
SOLDA is excited to share an exclusive opportunity for our members—an Abstract Travel Award offered through the AASLD Foundation. This award supports early-career investigators conducting clinical hepatology research in viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or hepatocellular carcinoma.ONE award is available for members residing in sub-Saharan Africa.
💰 Professor Mindie H. Nguyen Award
Grant Amount: $2,500 USD
Eligibility Criteria
✅ MD Applicants: Within six years of completing clinical fellowship training (or equivalent) OR within five years of obtaining their MD.
✅ PhD Applicants: Within ten years of receiving their research degree
How to Apply
1️⃣ Submit an abstract to AASLD for consideration. Poster abstracts are accepted until May 29, 2025.
2️⃣ Complete the Abstract Award application at www.liverresearchawards.org by June 16, 2025.
Don't miss this chance to showcase your research on an international stage!
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Combating Stigma and Misinformation in the Fight Against Hepatitis
by Dr. Mercy Nyakowa
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Every thirty seconds, someone in the world dies from a viral hepatitis-related illness. This number accounts for the one million three hundred thousand people who died in 2022. What
is truly lamentable about these deaths is that they could have been prevented, either through vaccination or treatment with antiviral medication. Hepatitis, though referred to as a silent killer, doesn’t have to be fatal.
A key component in the fight against viral hepatitis is information. Misinformation on the other hand can be a deadly impediment to good health.
Misinformation and stigma often go hand in hand. Societal attitudes and misconceptions about a disease can be deeply ingrained and affect how people are treated or seek treatment. Stigma often stems from a lack of accurate information. For instance, one pervasive myth in one of the communities is that hepatitis B is a result of witchcraft. This belief is not only incorrect but also dangerous, as it fosters unnecessary fear and avoidance of those living with these illnesses.
Pre-existing prejudices can act as an accelerant to misinformation, jeopardizing health outcomes. In Kenya, “From the general public’s perspective, hepatitis C is linked to drug users. As a result, patients infected with hep C are associated with chronic substance use disorders that live in an endless cycle of relapsing.” As a result, many patients may choose to not seek care for fear of being further stigmatized or judged.
We have seen the dangers of misinformation, where after testing positive for hepatitis B, some individuals were led to believe it was caused by witchcraft. This misconception can be particularly dangerous as it delays medical intervention, leading to worsening health outcomes. A report by Citizen Digital highlights the alarming rise of hepatitis B cases in Baringo, shedding light on the myths surrounding the disease and the urgent need for accurate health education.
Delaying care is particularly concerning given that both hepatitis B and C can be managed effectively with proper medical intervention. Hepatitis B can be controlled with antiviral medications, and hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral treatment. However, the stigma and misinformation surrounding these diseases often discourage people from accessing these life-saving medications.
Moreover, stigma can lead to social isolation and mental health issues. "Sisi tumekua tunajua hii ugonjwa ni urogi na inasemekana hio urogi unabebwa na kucha like mtu akikukuta unakula, anakuwekea kwa chakula. Sasa nimekua nikishangaa nilitembelea mkutano gani au sherehe gani,’’ ("We believe this disease is caused by witchcraft, and it is said that it can even be carried in fingernails. The idea is that someone can secretly place it in your food while you are eating. This has left me wondering—at which event or gathering did I unknowingly contract this illness?") says Kiprop. The shame and isolation associated with stigma can worsen mental health issues, making it harder for individuals to seek help and adhere to treatment.
This is a vicious cycle that not only affects the individual but also poses a broader public health risk, as untreated individuals may unknowingly spread the virus. Addressing the stigma and misinformation surrounding hepatitis B and C requires a multifaceted approach.
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There is no single recipe for countering the stigma
and misinformation. However, one thing is for certain: education is a critical component of this effort. Healthcare professionals, community leaders, and public health organizations must work together to disseminate accurate information about the transmission, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis B and C. This includes debunking myths, such as the idea that these diseases are primarily a concern for drug users or as a result of witchcraft in some communities.
Stigma and misinformation are major barriers to eliminating hepatitis B and C globally. Misconceptions about transmission, cultural attitudes, and the stigma around these diseases delay diagnosis and treatment. To break down these barriers, we must engage communities, leverage digital platforms to spread awareness. A multi-level approach is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving a world free of hepatitis B and C.
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The Road to COLDA 2025 – SOLDA’s Flagship Event of the Year! |
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Don’t miss out on the premier liver health conference in Africa! Secure your spot at COLDA 2025 and be part of the crucial conversations shaping the future of hepatology.
🎯 Exclusive Early Bird Registration for SOLDA Members!
Register now to take advantage of discounted rates available only for SOLDA members.
Don’t wait!
We look forward to welcoming you to Accra, Ghana, from 18–20 September 2025!
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Give a Gift of Hope: Transform Lives Across Africa
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Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive! Your donation to SOLDA is more than kindness—it’s a catalyst for change. It empowers communities, advances research, and ensures life-saving care for those in need.
Together, we can bring hope and healing to millions affected by liver disease across Africa. Be the reason someone gets a second chance.
Thank you for your support in building a healthier future!
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SOLDA Sister Societies |
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Become a SOLDA Endorser! |
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Join our proud array of endorsers and help transform liver health across Africa by supporting SOLDA. Your endorsement will amplify awareness and promote initiatives that advance education, research, and care for liver diseases in the region. Together we can make a lasting impact.
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Access SOLDA Resources On-Demand!
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Missed our webinars? No worries!
Catch up on all the videos and slide sets from previous sessions, available now for on-demand viewing. Enjoy insightful lectures and expert discussions at your convenience. Don't miss out—click the link below to access SOLDA's resources and stay updated in liver research and clinical practice!
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Access SOLDA Resources On-Demand!
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Join us in championing liver health across Africa with the Society on Liver Disease in Africa (SOLDA). Your support fuels our mission to combat liver disease, elevate healthcare standards, and provide essential resources to communities in need.
Together, let’s drive awareness, research, and access to quality care.
For more details on how you can become involved, as well as more benefits to your organization, please contact our Project Executive Ms. Karin Siebelt.
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Copyright © 2025 SOLDA, All rights reserved.
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