Taiwan eliminates hepatitis C as a public health threat under WHO Gold Tier

Taiwan has reached a major milestone in its fight against hepatitis C. The country now meets the World Health Organization's (WHO) Gold Tier standards for eliminating the disease as a public health threat. This achievement follows years of targeted screening, treatment and harm reduction efforts across the nation.

Hepatitis C remains a global health challenge, affecting around 58 million people worldwide. Unlike other viral infections, no vaccine exists for this disease. However, it can be cured with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, usually taken over 8 to 12 weeks.

Taiwan has made steady progress in tackling the virus. By June 2025, about 90.2% of individuals with chronic hepatitis C had been diagnosed. Of those, 92.6% received treatment, ensuring broad coverage across the population. The government focused on high-risk groups and those facing barriers to healthcare. This approach helped achieve high screening and treatment rates among vulnerable communities. Additionally, Taiwan distributes over 150 syringes per person who injects drugs, reducing transmission risks. Strict safety measures have also played a key role. The country maintains 100% screening of donated blood and enforces safe medical injection practices nationwide. These efforts have led to a noticeable drop in liver cancer cases and deaths linked to hepatitis. To formalise its success, Taiwan submitted its Hepatitis C Elimination Report to the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. The report seeks validation under the Path to Elimination (PTE) Gold Tier framework, confirming the nation's compliance with WHO targets.

Taiwan's achievements align with the WHO's goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The country's high diagnosis and treatment rates, alongside harm reduction strategies, have significantly reduced liver disease burdens. This progress sets a strong example for other nations working toward similar targets.