#Hepatitisc

A new nationwide survey published in June 2025 has revealed a remarkable reduction in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand—a development hailed by public health leaders as evidence that the country’s decades-long prevention and screening efforts are working. The research, conducted in four regions of Thailand among over 6,000 participants, found that the current rate of hepatitis C infection is just 0.56%, down from 2.15% in 2004 and 0.94% in 2014. This progress comes even as the World Health Organization warns globally that viral hepatitis deaths are rising, with 1.3 million fatalities each year according to its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report (healio.com), making Thailand’s performance uniquely encouraging (nature.com).

A nationwide survey released in mid-2025 shows a sharp decline in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand, highlighting decades of prevention and screening success. Conducted across four regions with more than 6,000 participants, the study found an overall infection rate of 0.56 percent, down from 2.15 percent in 2004 and 0.94 percent in 2014. Health authorities view Thailand’s progress as a model of effective public health investment and collaboration.

Hepatitis C is often called the “silent” infection because many people have no symptoms until extensive liver damage occurs. Thai health leaders emphasize broad screening, especially for high-risk groups and individuals born before 1992, the year universal HBV vaccination began for newborns. The Ministry of Public Health has adopted a dual “test-and-treat” approach, offering rapid diagnostic testing, molecular confirmation, and access to direct-acting antivirals that cure up to 95 percent of cases.