Taiwan is advancing its public health initiatives by focusing on the elimination of hepatitis B and enhancing early liver cancer detection. This shift comes after the country successfully met the World Health Organization’s targets for hepatitis C elimination earlier than expected. Shih Chung-liang, Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, announced that the new phase will prioritize reducing hepatitis B infections and improving screening for liver cancer, alongside addressing non-viral liver diseases such as obesity-related fatty liver disease.
Liver cancer is a significant health challenge in Taiwan, ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality and resulting in over 7,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, around 40 percent of liver cancer cases in the country are identified at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and inflates healthcare expenses. In response, Taiwanese health authorities are designing a new national cancer control program. This program includes a liver cancer risk assessment model specifically adapted for the Taiwanese population, and it also aims to tackle the rising issue of non-viral liver cancer.
Aiding these efforts, the Good Liver Foundation is collaborating with medical and technology specialists to develop “iGood Liver AI,” a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool that enhances ultrasound imaging. This AI-powered software is adept at identifying and analyzing liver tumors in real time, highlighting suspicious areas, and assisting in distinguishing benign from malignant growths during standard examinations. While the technology enhances diagnostic capabilities, it is meant to support, not replace, medical professionals by increasing detection rates and minimizing missed diagnoses.
To expand access to healthcare, the Good Liver Foundation has secured funding to equip 50 medical facilities in remote and underserved regions with the AI system. This initiative aims to broaden liver disease screening and early intervention services throughout Taiwan, ensuring more comprehensive healthcare coverage and improving outcomes for those living in less accessible areas.