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 set by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Path to Elimination framework. Officials have now submitted their elimination report for formal validation. Under the WHO's 2030 goal to end viral hepatitis as a public health threat, Taiwan has demonstrated exceptional progress. By June 2025, 90.2% of people with chronic hepatitis C had been diagnosed, and 92.6% of those diagnosed had received treatment. The country also maintains 100% screening of donated blood and enforces safe injection practices nationwide.

High-risk groups, including people living with HIV, patients with end-stage renal disease, and incarcerated populations, have seen strong screening and treatment coverage. To prevent new infections, Taiwan distributes over 150 syringes per person annually through harm reduction programmes. These efforts have contributed to a noticeable drop in liver cancer cases and deaths over the past 20 years.

Hepatitis C remains a global challenge, affecting around 58 million people. Unlike other viral infections, no vaccine exists, but the disease is now curable with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies taken over 8-12 weeks. While Taiwan's success is clear, worldwide data on hepatitis C trends since the 2015 WHO Glasgow Declaration remains limited. Taiwan's submission of its elimination report marks a key step toward WHO validation. If approved, it will become one of the few regions to achieve Gold Tier status for hepatitis C control. The country's sustained efforts in screening, treatment, and prevention continue to set a benchmark for global elimination strategies.