TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) announced Thursday (Aug. 7) that the nation has successfully met the World Health Organization's 2030 targets for Hepatitis C elimination five years ahead of schedule. The ministry is preparing to apply for official Hepatitis C elimination certification from the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region (WHO WPRO) later this year. This landmark achievement positions Taiwan as a global leader in public health initiatives and demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive national healthcare strategies.
The MOHW has provided direct-acting antivirals (DAA) through Taiwan's national health insurance system since 2017, subsequently expanding universal access in 2019 to all chronic Hepatitis C patients. Recent comprehensive statistics demonstrate that diagnosis and treatment rates for Hepatitis C among individuals aged 45 to 84 have exceeded 90 percent. Safe medical injections and blood product safety protocols have achieved the WHO's ambitious 100 percent target, reflecting Taiwan's commitment to eliminating transmission risks.
Medical experts from various specialized fields have provided crucial guidance for Taiwan's Hepatitis C elimination efforts, with comprehensive cross-agency collaboration ensuring effective strategy development and systematic monitoring. The APAC Liver Disease Alliance has officially recognized Taiwan's remarkable public health achievements, rating the nation as meeting the highest international standards. This recognition underscores Taiwan's exceptional commitment to evidence-based healthcare policies and demonstrates the success of coordinated national health initiatives.
The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, will approve the MOHW's comprehensive report titled "Taiwan's Early Achievement of WHO's Hepatitis C Elimination Goal: Strategies and Progress" Thursday. The MOHW plans to host an international press conference between November and December to formally announce the elimination of Hepatitis C and continue promoting the robust monitoring system. This strategic communication initiative will showcase Taiwan's public health success to the global medical community and international health organizations. ◼