A group photo of Pei-Ming Yang (from left), Chief CEO of Liver Disease Prevention and Tteatment Research Foundation; Li-Ju Lin, Deputy Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare; Ching-Fen Shen, Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration; PDG John Chen, President of Taiwan Rotary Clubs Association; PRIP Gary Huang, former President of Rotary International; and PDG Frank Horng, President of Taiwan Rotary Publishing and E-Information Association (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Rotary Publication and E-Information Association)
Hosted by the Taiwan Rotary Clubs Association and the Taiwan Rotary Publication and E-Information Association at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center, the forum and press conference brought together officials, medical experts and civic leaders to review progress and outline next steps.
Since 2015, Rotary clubs across Taiwan have carried out 57 projects under the Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant program, contributing more than US$4.1 million. In addition to funding, Rotary members have provided extensive volunteer support in communities nationwide, reinforcing prevention and outreach efforts under the organization’s “Service Above Self” ethos.
The projects have combined resources from hospitals, community groups and local governments to expand hepatitis screening, strengthen public health education, and improve access to care in rural and underserved areas. Initiatives have also supported the installation of diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound systems, and advanced liver disease research.
Li-Ju Lin (third from left), Deputy Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, poses for a group photo with forum speakers. (Photo/Provided by Taiwan Rotary Publication and E-Information Association)
Health officials said the expanded screening network has improved early detection and treatment rates, strengthening Taiwan’s broader disease prevention infrastructure. Rotary leaders said the integration of global resources with local medical expertise has produced a scalable framework — referred to as the “Rotary Public Health Model” — that could be replicated in other countries.
Taiwan launched its national hepatitis C elimination program in 2018 and has since achieved diagnosis and treatment rates exceeding 90 percent. Authorities have submitted an application to the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office for certification of elimination, officials said.
Following policy momentum initiated after the World Health Organization released its global hepatitis strategy in 2015, the government formally brought Rotary Taiwan into a public-private partnership in 2019 to accelerate progress.
As the country enters the final phase toward its 2025 elimination target, Rotary has focused on reaching vulnerable populations, including incarcerated individuals. With coordination from the Rotary Taiwan leadership, the organization partnered with the Min-Sheng General Hospital to fund hepatitis screening and treatment programs in correctional facilities, ensuring broader access to care.
John Chen said Rotary has played a key role in bridging central and local efforts. “This is not only a public health achievement, but also a successful example of collaboration between government and civil society,” he said. He added that Taiwan’s experience could serve as a model for future public health policy and international cooperation.
Rotary members pose for a group photo following the “Ten Years of Rotary’s Participation in Hepatitis C Prevention: Achievements and Outlook” event. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Rotary Publication and E-Information Association)