Taiwan is intensifying its public health initiatives to tackle hepatitis B and enhance early liver cancer detection, building on its recent success in meeting the World Health Organization’s targets for hepatitis C elimination ahead of schedule. The next phase of Taiwan’s health strategy, as outlined by Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, will prioritize reducing hepatitis B infections, reinforcing liver cancer screenings, and addressing non-viral liver diseases such as obesity-related fatty liver disease.
Liver cancer continues to be a significant health challenge in Taiwan, ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer-related fatalities and claiming over 7,000 lives annually. Approximately 40 percent of liver cancer cases are identified at advanced stages, which diminishes treatment efficacy and escalates healthcare costs. To address this, health authorities are crafting a new national cancer control program that incorporates a liver cancer risk assessment model specifically designed for Taiwan’s population, alongside efforts to combat the rising concern of non-viral liver cancer.
In support of these health measures, the Good Liver Foundation has joined forces with medical and technology experts to create “iGood Liver AI,” an innovative artificial intelligence-powered ultrasound tool. This technology is designed to detect and assess liver tumors in real time, identifying suspicious areas and helping differentiate between benign and malignant growths during routine medical examinations. While the AI tool enhances diagnostic accuracy, medical professionals emphasize that it is meant to complement, not replace, doctors, thereby improving detection rates and minimizing the chances of missed diagnoses.
To further expand healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved regions, the Good Liver Foundation has secured funding to distribute 50 units of the AI system to medical facilities across Taiwan. This initiative aims to broaden liver disease screening and provide early intervention services, ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity for timely and effective medical care.