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Manal Ghazzawi – Elimination Champion

My goal is to focus on prevention of mother to child transmission of HBV by establishing game changing partnerships willing to make visions come to reality. My hope is to see ambitiously written strategic plans for elimination of hepatitis come to fruition in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Manal Ghazzawi, a Doctor of Pharmacy and public health specialist, leads the fight against hepatitis in Sierra Leone through her KnowHep Foundation. Her relentless efforts span community engagement, education, and advocacy. Manal’s grassroots campaigns target diverse communities, conducting town hall meetings and engaging youth in unconventional settings, like clubs and sports fields. A media fixture for health-related information, she hosts radio and TV talks, sponsors walks, and educates in schools and universities annually for World Hepatitis Day. Her pharmacy, CitiGlobe Pharmacy, provides accessible screenings and vaccines for hepatitis B. Through workshops and policy advocacy, she prioritizes testing and treatment for underserved people in her community. Overall, Dr. Ghazzawi’s comprehensive efforts pave the way for a future free of viral hepatitis in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Ghazzawi’s nominator enthused, “My nominee’s unwavering commitment and relentless efforts are an inspiration to me. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, dedication, and determination have truly set her apart. Her exceptional accomplishments and tireless dedication deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

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Diabetes Screening and Education: Empowering Patients to Manage Diabetes

Free Hepatitis B Screening: Protecting Sierra Leone Through Preventive Healthcare

 Hepatitis B is a serious health concern in Sierra Leone, but early detection and prevention can make a significant difference. At CitiGlobe Pharmacies, we are proud to offer free Hepatitis B screening as part of our commitment to improving public health.

 

  • Why Hepatitis B Screening is Important: Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage, which makes early screening critical. By offering free screenings, we help individuals detect the virus early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

  • Our Screening Process: At CitiGlobe Pharmacies, our in-house healthcare professionals use rapid diagnostic testing to provide quick and accurate results. This ensures that individuals can receive their diagnosis within minutes, without the need for invasive procedures.

  • Our Impact: To date, we have screened thousands of Sierra Leoneans, raising awareness about Hepatitis B and helping to prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach through collaboration with local communities.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Hepatitis B Screening in Sierra Leone: Insights from a Community Pharmacy Model of Care

There are limited studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related interruptions on hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of HBV testing in a community pharmacy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022. We compared participant characteristics using Pearson’s chi-square test. We evaluated trends in HBV screening and diagnosis using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s or Dunnett’s post-test. Findings Of 920 individuals screened, 161 had detectable HBsAg (seroprevalence 17.5% [95% CI 14.9-20.4]). There was a 100% decrease in HBV screening during January-June of 2020; however, screening increased by 27% and 23% in the first and second year after COVID-19, respectively. Mean quarterly tests showed a significant upward trend: 55 ± 6 tests during January-March (baseline), 74 ± 16 tests during April-June, 101 ± 3 tests during July-September, and 107 ± 17 tests during October-December (one-way ANOVA test for trend, F=7.7, p = 0.0254) but not the mean quarterly number of people diagnosed with HBV (F = 0.34, p = 0.7992). Interpretation Community-based HBV screening dramatically improved following temporary disruptions related to COVID-19. Seasonal variation in HBV screening, but not HBV diagnosis, may have implications for HBV elimination efforts in Sierra Leone and other West African countries.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373158079_Impact_of_COVID-19_on_Hepatitis_B_Screening_in_Sierra_Leone_Insights_from_a_Community_Pharmacy_Model_of_Care

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Free Hepatitis B Screening

Free Hepatitis B Screening: Protecting Sierra Leone Through Preventive Healthcare

 Hepatitis B is a serious health concern in Sierra Leone, but early detection and prevention can make a significant difference. At CitiGlobe Pharmacies, we are proud to offer free Hepatitis B screening as part of our commitment to improving public health.

 

  • Why Hepatitis B Screening is Important: Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage, which makes early screening critical. By offering free screenings, we help individuals detect the virus early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

  • Our Screening Process: At CitiGlobe Pharmacies, our in-house healthcare professionals use rapid diagnostic testing to provide quick and accurate results. This ensures that individuals can receive their diagnosis within minutes, without the need for invasive procedures.

  • Our Impact: To date, we have screened thousands of Sierra Leoneans, raising awareness about Hepatitis B and helping to prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach through collaboration with local communities.