(CTN News) – Thailand is stepping up its efforts to address the silent health epidemic in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious aim of eradicating hepatitis. With an estimated 2-3 million people infected with hepatitis B and C, the country faces a major public health crisis.
To reduce the disease’s stigma, the Thailand government is promoting a “screening by year of birth” strategy.
Individuals born before 1992 are urged to get a one-time hepatitis screening. This technique seeks to de-stigmatize the process and promote early detection.
Prof. Dr. Tawisak Tanwandee, the chief of Siriraj Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology, emphasised the significance of screening.
“Screening is now easier than ever,” he told me. “Thanks to fingertip blood tests, we can conduct screenings in various locations, including sub-district health-promoting hospitals and community clinics.”
These tests are also less expensive. Traditional blood testing were expensive, but fingertip blood screening is far cheaper and more accessible.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) also provides free screenings to qualified Thailand people via the Paotang app.
Despite these efforts, the screening rate remains low. To raise awareness and reach more people, the Ministry of Public Health is training community-based healthcare workers to proactively identify and test at-risk individuals.
Thailand intends to screen more than 90% of its population and treat more than 80% of those who require treatment in order to meet the World Health Organization’s 2030 target of eliminating viral hepatitis.
Another important goal is to reduce the mortality rate of chronic hepatitis patients by more than 65%.
Hepatitis B and C can cause major problems such liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Many people are unaware of their illness because the diseases rarely cause symptoms until they are advanced. The disease’s quiet nature emphasises the need for early discovery and treatment.
Thailand has made strides in avoiding mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B through vaccination campaigns and improved healthcare practices.
However, the country continues to encounter hurdles in combating hepatitis B infection among adults, which is frequently acquired through sexual contact.
Prof. Dr. Tawisak advocates for increased hepatitis B screening and early treatment, as well as expanded access to antiviral drugs.
He also emphasises the importance of technological solutions for improving patient adherence to treatment and overall care.
Thailand is dedicated to enhancing its response to hepatitis, as people become more aware of its terrible effects.
By prioritising screening, treatment, and prevention, the country hopes to lessen the hepatitis burden and improve the lives of millions of inhabitants.
Source: Thai PBS World
Anna Wong serves as the editor of the Chiang Rai Times, bringing precision and clarity to the publication. Her leadership ensures that the news reaches readers with accuracy and insight. With a keen eye for detail,
