A group photo of Yang Pei-ming (from left) , CEO of the Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation ; Lin Li-ru, Deputy Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare; Shen Jing-fen, Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration; Chen Chung-tung, President of Rotary International Taiwan; Huang Chi-kuang, former President of Rotary International; and Hung Ching-hui, President of the Rotary Publishing and Internet Information Association of Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by the Publishing Association)
The symposium focused on three key aspects: policy promotion, community mobilization, and medical integration, providing an in-depth analysis of the key factors contributing to Taiwan's successful prevention and control of Hepatitis C. Experts at the symposium pointed out that over the past 10 years, with government policy guidance, professional investment from the medical system, and the strong mobilization efforts of Rotary organizations at the grassroots level, a close public-private partnership has been formed, successfully transforming Taiwan's image as a "liver disease island" and gradually moving towards the international goal of eliminating Hepatitis C.
Hung Ching-hui, Chairman of the Rotary Publishing and Internet Information Association of Taiwan, stated that since 2015 , Rotary Taiwan has implemented 57 liver disease and hepatitis C prevention projects through the Rotary Foundation's " Global Grant" mechanism, with a cumulative investment of over US$ 4.1 million (approximately NT$ 130 million) and the mobilization of over 18,000 hours of volunteer service . These initiatives cover community screening, health education, mobile medical services in rural areas, and the construction of medical equipment, fully demonstrating Rotary's core spirit of "Super-Self Service" and becoming an important support for the government's public health policy implementation.
In the future, Rotary will continue to deepen its cooperation with government and private partners to establish a replicable and scalable public health service model. It plans to share Taiwan’s successful experience in the prevention and control of hepatitis C with the world at the Rotary World Congress to be held in Taipei in June 2026, making this achievement , which combines public-private partnerships and community mobilization, an important model in the field of international public health.
Director-General Shen Ching-fen of the Health Promotion Administration highly praised Rotary Club's commitment, pointing out that its long-term community outreach and flexible mobilization capabilities have made it an indispensable force in Taiwan's efforts to prevent and control hepatitis C. She stated that through public-private partnerships, Taiwan has not only significantly increased hepatitis C screening rates and treatment accessibility but has also effectively promoted public health awareness, laying a solid foundation for overall prevention and control efforts. This 10- year public health initiative has given Taiwan the opportunity to achieve the WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis C five years ahead of schedule , marking a significant milestone in public health.
Deputy Director-General Lin Li-ru explained that over the past 10 years, Rotary Clubs have worked closely with the government to gradually build a comprehensive prevention and control network through diverse strategies, including conducting in-depth screening in communities, strengthening health education, expanding medical services in rural areas, and increasing the capacity of medical equipment. These measures have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment rates. Currently, Taiwan's hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment rates have both exceeded 90% , surpassing the WHO 's "Gold" standard. Taiwan has also formally submitted an application to the WHO for certification to eliminate hepatitis C , demonstrating its strength as a leading global nation.
Huang Chi-kuang, former president of Rotary International, stated that Rotary Taiwan's active participation in global public health issues not only demonstrates the Rotary International's spirit of "superego service" but also highlights Taiwan's active role in the international community. Taiwan's experience is highly replicable and can serve as an important reference for other countries in promoting disease prevention and control.
Rotary International Taiwan President Chen Chung-tung pointed out that facing the "last mile" of eliminating hepatitis C by 2025 , the association has integrated medical resources and joined hands with Min Sheng Medical System to strengthen prevention and control gaps. In particular, it provides screening and treatment services for high-risk groups such as inmates, expanding the scope of prevention and control coverage and making a key contribution to Taiwan achieving its goal ahead of schedule.
Lin Li-ru (third from left) , Deputy Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, poses for a group photo with guests at the symposium. (Photo / Provided by the Publishing Association)