Taiwan Achieves Hepatitis C Elimination Goal; Focus Shifts to Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 2. Taiwan has achieved its goal of eliminating Hepatitis C ahead of schedule and is currently applying for certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang announced today that the government will relax the criteria for Hepatitis B treatment coverage and focus on early detection of "non-viral hepatitis" such as fatty liver. The WHO set a vision in 2016 to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Taiwan achieved its goal in 2025, with diagnosis and treatment rates exceeding 90%. Minister Shih noted that Taiwan's efforts are highly regarded internationally. If certified, Taiwan will be a leader in Asia. Shih stated that with the 5.5% growth in National Health Insurance budget, the government is accelerating the revision of Hepatitis B drug coverage. He also pointed out that the causes of liver cancer are shifting from viral infections to metabolic syndrome and fatty liver. The Health Promotion Administration is currently developing a detection plan for early liver cancer caused by non-viral hepatitis. The Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation has developed AI image recognition software to assist in rural medical services. (Editor: Wu Surou) 1150602