Taiwan achieves WHO Gold Tier in historic hepatitis C elimination push

Taiwan has reached a major milestone in its fight against hepatitis C. The country has met the Gold Tier targets under the World Health Organization's (WHO) Path to Elimination framework. Officials have now submitted a formal report to the WHO for validation of this achievement. Hepatitis C remains a global health challenge, with around 58 million people infected worldwide. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, no vaccine exists for this virus. However, it can be cured with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments, usually within 8 to 12 weeks.

Taiwan's success comes from a focused strategy. The government prioritised high-risk groups and those with limited access to healthcare. As a result, by June 2025, 90.2% of people with chronic hepatitis C had been diagnosed. Of those diagnosed, 92.6% received treatment. The country has also strengthened prevention measures. All donated blood undergoes mandatory screening, and medical injections follow strict safety protocols. To further reduce new infections, Taiwan distributes over 150 syringes per person annually through harm reduction programs. These efforts have led to a noticeable drop in liver cancer cases and deaths. The sustained push for screening, treatment, and prevention has played a key role in this progress.

Taiwan's achievements align with the WHO's goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The Gold Tier recognition highlights the country's high screening rates, widespread treatment access, and strong prevention policies. If validated, this success could serve as a model for other nations tackling hepatitis C.