Taiwan's Proactive Fight Against Hepatitis: Expanded Screening Program Announced

Millions More in Taiwan to Benefit from Free Hepatitis Screenings, Bolstering Elimination Goals

Taipei, April 12 – Taiwan is significantly broadening its commitment to public health with a planned expansion of its free hepatitis B and C screening program, as announced on Saturday. The initiative aims to reach a wider segment of the population, intensifying the nation's efforts to combat these serious illnesses.

According to Health Promotion Administration (HPA) Director-General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍), the new measure is slated to launch in July. This expansion will lower the age eligibility for screening to include individuals aged 40-79, a move expected to significantly increase participation and early detection rates.

Presently, the HPA provides a single, free lifetime hepatitis B and C screening to those aged 45-79 who are covered by the National Health Insurance program. Importantly, Indigenous Taiwanese already have access to screenings from ages 40-79, highlighting a sensitivity to specific community needs.

The government's ambitious goal is to eliminate hepatitis C by the end of 2025, a target set five years ahead of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global objective to eradicate the disease by 2030. Wu emphasized the impressive strides Taiwan has made toward the WHO's impact targets for hepatitis C elimination.

While substantial progress has been achieved in hepatitis C elimination, Wu acknowledged the continued importance of focused efforts on hepatitis B. Taiwan's dedication is further underlined by its pioneering universal hepatitis B vaccination program initiated in 1986, where newborns have been inoculated against the virus since birth.

Individuals born before 1986 are categorized as a high-risk group. Wu stated that early detection is crucial for those potentially affected by liver disease. The expansion of eligibility to include those aged 40 and above is projected to benefit over a million additional people through the government's free screening program.

In Taiwan, liver disease is a major public health concern. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver disease and extrahepatic complications, making the expanded screening program a critical step in protecting the health of its citizens.