Hepatitis Prevention: Government Drafts Eradication Program

Ministry of Health and Sports is now planning to eradicate Hepatitis and related diseases. The Ministry has been drawing up National Hepatitis Strategic Program since 2014 as prevention, awareness, and treatment in cooperation with local and international organizations. KMSTK find out more.   

According to Myanmar Liver Foundation, about 10 % of liver cancer cases were caused by liver related disease like Hepatitis B and C. According to statistics, over 6% of populations are infectious with Hepatitis B and 3 % with Hepatitis C in Myanmar.

The Ministry of Health and Sport is drafting a 5-year plan for liver disease eradication project.

Director , Myanmar Liver Foundation , Dr. Khin Pyone Kyi: The Ministry and all stake holders take a road map for liver disease eradication plan. We finished drafting the national guideline for treatment for Hepatitis B and C. Ministry of Health and Sport will start the Hepatitis B and C treatments and allocated the budget to buy vaccine.  

World Health Organization is providing technical assistance for the project.

Representative, WHO Country Office (Myanmar) , Dr. Jorge M. Luna : "WHO basically provides technical assistance and support to the government to develop the national strategic plan and to develop the guidelines. The guidelines are produced as the global level and they are adopted as national contact. "

The Ministry also plans to provide vaccines to Hepatitis B/C and HIV virus con-infections patients to free of charge.

Dr. Thin Nwe Win : Previously, Hepatitis C is not cured by drugs and now it can be cured in Myanmar.  Ministry of Health and Sports will contribute more Hepatitis C vaccine. Such kind of Liver foundation is also cooperating with INGO and gets grant aids from international organizations such as MSF (Medicine Sent Fringes) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). 

Free of Charge National Hepatitis Program vaccination will start by the end of this year, prioritizing to Hepatitis C/HIV and Hepatitis B /C co-infections patients.