Fighting against viral hepatitis: lessons from Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Viral hepatitis and its complications pose significant global health challenges.
• Taiwan has made substantial progress in controlling viral hepatitis sequelae over four decades.
• The author played a pivotal role in Taiwan's hepatitis control initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on the historical development and success of Taiwan's Viral Hepatitis Control Program.
• To highlight key research contributions and clinical advancements in managing viral hepatitis and its sequelae.
• To discuss future challenges and predict liver disease patterns in Taiwan.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of public health initiatives and research endeavors in Taiwan.
• Description of the establishment and monitoring of the Viral Hepatitis Control Program.
• Discussion of pioneering treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C and risk factor analysis for hepatitis B.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in hepatitis B carriage and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in Taiwan.
• Successful implementation of early HCC detection and prevention strategies.
• Pioneering the use of interferon-α plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C treatment.

Conclusions:

• Taiwan's 40-year experience in combating viral hepatitis offers valuable lessons for other endemic countries.
• Continued efforts are needed to address unresolved issues and adapt to evolving liver disease patterns.
• Public health strategies and antiviral therapies have dramatically impacted viral hepatitis outcomes.