Hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Southeast Asia

Scientists of several countries in Southeast Asia are exchanging information on research efforts on hepatocellular carcinoma under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization. It was agreed to direct preventive measures to hepatitis B virus and aflatoxins, but research should be continued on viruses, parasites, hepatotoxins of plant organisms, food contaminants, and drugs. Preventive measures include 1) blood transfusion services, 2) other transmission controls, 3) food hygiene, and 5) the establishment of pilot projects for the study of the efficiency of control measures. International collaboration and adequate data exchange are necessary for the successful continued pursuit of knowledge in chronic liver diseases in the countries of Southeast Asia, with the goal of prevention of debilitating and fatal diseases among a large segment of the world's population.