Taiwan seeks Hepatitis C eradication recognition

In a significant public health achievement, Taiwan has successfully met the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets, five years ahead of schedule. This milestone has been formally recognised by the Asia-Pacific Liver Disease Alliance (APAC Liver Disease Alliance) for meeting the highest international standards [1].

The country's strategy for hepatitis C elimination includes providing direct-acting antivirals (DAA) universally through the national health insurance system since 2017, expanding access to all chronic Hepatitis C patients in 2019, achieving over 90% diagnosis and treatment rates in key age groups (45–84 years), and implementing 100% safe medical injection and blood product safety protocols to prevent transmission [1].

These efforts are supported by cross-agency collaboration involving experts from multiple medical fields, comprehensive monitoring systems, and strong government leadership [1]. The APAC Liver Disease Alliance commended Taiwan's evidence-based healthcare policies and coordinated national health initiatives [1].

Taiwan aims to apply for WHO certification of hepatitis C elimination in November or December [2]. The government will continue to monitor the disease, educate high-risk people about prevention, and ensure proper procedures in medical institutions [3].

Meanwhile, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Taiwanese aged 40 or older is concerning, with approximately 35% of this demographic affected [2]. Eighty percent of people with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan have an increased waistline [2]. People with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and six times more likely to have diabetes [3].

To combat this issue, maintaining a healthy diet and performing middle-to-high-intensity exercises for at least 150 minutes per week can help reduce the incidence rate of metabolic syndrome [3]. Medication, such as liraglutide (sold as Saxenda in Taiwan), can aid in weight loss, but it is essential to change habits to avoid a cycle of medicating, regaining weight, and medicating again [3].

Taiwan plans to seek official Hepatitis C elimination certification from the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region (WHO WPRO) later in 2025 and will promote its robust monitoring system internationally via planned press conferences [1][3]. The government opened hepatitis C screening to people aged 45 to 79 in 2019, and later expanded it to people as young as 40 [2]. As of this month, the minimum age for hepatitis C screening in Taiwan is 39 [2].

References:

[1] APAC Liver Disease Alliance. (2021). Taiwan Recognised for Hepatitis C Elimination Achievement. Retrieved from https://apacliverdiseasealliance.org/news/taiwan-recognised-for-hepatitis-c-elimination-achievement/

[2] Central News Agency. (2021). Taiwan Aims to Achieve Hepatitis C Elimination by the End of 2021. Retrieved from https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202109160054.aspx

[3] Central News Agency. (2021). Metabolic Syndrome: 35% of Taiwanese Aged 40 or Older Affected. Retrieved from https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202109160053.aspx

Science has played a crucial role in Taiwan's success in eliminating hepatitis C, a milestone achieved ahead of World Health Organization's (WHO) 2030 targets.
The Taiwanese government's leadership and cross-agency collaboration have been instrumental in their strategy for hepatitis C elimination.
Experts from various medical fields have contributed to the elimination efforts in Taiwan, ensuring the highest international standards are met.
The Asia-Pacific Liver Disease Alliance (APAC Liver Disease Alliance) has formally recognized Taiwan's achievement, commending its evidence-based healthcare policies and coordinated national health initiatives.
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are made universally available through the national health insurance system in Taiwan to treat chronic hepatitis C.
The diagnostics and treatment rates for hepatitis C in key age groups (45–84 years) in Taiwan have exceeded 90%.
To prevent transmission, Taiwan has implemented 100% safe medical injection and blood product safety protocols.
The WHO will consider Taiwan's application for certification of hepatitis C elimination in November or December.
The Taiwanese government will continue to monitor diseases, educate high-risk individuals about prevention, and ensure medical institution compliance.
Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern among Taiwanese aged 40 or older, with approximately 35% of this demographic affected.
Eighty percent of people with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan have an increased waistline.
People with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes.
Reducing the incidence rate of metabolic syndrome requires a healthy diet and middle-to-high-intensity exercises for at least 150 minutes per week.
Medication like liraglutide, sold as Saxenda in Taiwan, can aid in weight loss but should be combined with habit changes to avoid a cycle of medicating, regaining weight, and medicating again.
Taiwan aims to promote its robust monitoring system internationally via planned press conferences, having achieved its goal of hepatitis C elimination.
Taiwan opened hepatitis C screening to people aged 45 to 79 in 2019, later expanding it to people as young as 40.
As of this month, the minimum age for hepatitis C screening in Taiwan is 39.
Taiwan plans to seek official Hepatitis C elimination certification from the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region (WHO WPRO) later in 2025.
Workplace wellness initiatives can address issues like metabolic syndrome, contributing to overall health and productivity.
Regular screenings and early detection are essential for managing medical conditions such as chronic diseases, cancers, and respiratory and digestive health issues.
Eye health, hearing, and skin care are integral components of overall health-and-wellness, requiring proper attention and care.
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