Taiwan achieves WHO Gold Tier status in historic hepatitis C elimination push

Taiwan has reached a major milestone in its fight against hepatitis C. The country has met the World Health Organization's (WHO) Gold Tier targets for eliminating the disease. Officials have now submitted their progress report for formal validation under the WHO's strictest assessment framework.

The achievement comes as part of a global push to reduce viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Unlike many infections, hepatitis C has no vaccine, but modern treatments now offer a cure within weeks. Taiwan's success follows years of targeted screening and treatment. As of June 2025, over 90% of people with chronic hepatitis C have been diagnosed. Of those, nearly 93% have completed treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, which typically take 8 to 12 weeks.

High-risk groups have seen particularly strong coverage. Screening rates remain high among people living with HIV, patients with end-stage kidney disease, and those in prisons. The country also runs extensive harm reduction programmes, distributing more than 150 clean syringes per person who injects drugs. Blood donations undergo universal screening, and medical injections follow strict safety protocols nationwide.

The long-term impact of these efforts is already visible. Over the past 20 years, Taiwan has recorded a steady drop in liver cancer cases and deaths linked to hepatitis C. The disease affects an estimated 58 million people globally, but Taiwan's approach now serves as a model for other nations working toward elimination. Taiwan's submission to the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office marks a key step in the validation process. If approved, the country will be formally recognised for meeting the highest standards in hepatitis C elimination. The results also highlight how widespread screening, treatment access, and harm reduction can transform public health outcomes.