Taiwan nears WHO hepatitis C elimination with record treatment rates

Taiwan has made major progress in fighting hepatitis C, reaching key targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The country has now submitted its elimination report for official validation under the WHO's strictest standards. If approved, this achievement would mark a significant step toward the global goal of eradicating viral hepatitis by 2030. The WHO aims to remove hepatitis C as a public health threat within the next five years. Though no vaccine exists, the disease can be cured with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments, usually completed in 8-12 weeks.

Taiwan's efforts have focused on high-risk groups and those with limited access to healthcare. Over 90% of people with chronic hepatitis C have been diagnosed, and nearly 93% of them have received treatment as of June 2025. The country also distributes more than 150 clean syringes per person annually as part of harm reduction programs for drug users.

Strict safety measures include universal screening of donated blood and nationwide protocols for safe medical injections. These actions have led to a sharp drop in liver cancer cases and deaths linked to hepatitis. Taiwan's success has earned it the Gold Tier status under the WHO's Path to Elimination framework. Taiwan's report is now under review by the WHO. If validated, it will confirm the country's progress in controlling hepatitis C. The results show how targeted screening, treatment access, and harm reduction can reduce the disease's impact on public health.