Phetchabun launches large-scale hepatitis C awareness campaign!

Phetchabun launches large-scale hepatitis C awareness campaign!

Today, November 6, 2025, a significant event dedicated to health education was held at Phetchabun School. Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced an ambitious program aimed at training 10,000 community health workers (อสม.) to become health assistants. The focus is on raising awareness about hepatitis C, a serious viral infection that affects millions of people and can cause serious liver damage. Hfocus reports that this initiative aims to improve access to screening and treatment.

With over 2,000 participants, including numerous ministers and local health workers, the event shows how seriously the Thai government is taking the issue. A key concern is reducing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, the most common consequence of persistent hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, and many sufferers are often unaware of their infection because symptoms can be absent for years. Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of acute hepatitis C are rare, while chronic hepatitis often remains asymptomatic for long periods.

A comprehensive approach to fighting hepatitis C

The event in Phetchabun is part of a comprehensive plan to improve the healthcare system in Thailand. A key measure is the introduction of the “30 baht for all treatment with just an ID card” program, making it easier for citizens to seek medical care. Over the next four months, health workers will be trained to act as the first point of contact for information and screening.

The target group particularly includes people born before 1992 as well as risk groups who are more susceptible to hepatitis C. Free testing and treatment is being offered in government hospitals, which is a big step towards prevention. Phetchabun has already established itself as a pioneer in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C since 2020 and can look back on an impressive success rate of 95% - over 5,000 patients have benefited from the treatment. According to WHO, approximately 304 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or C, with many lacking access to testing and treatment.

Education is the be-all and end-all

The event concluded with an appeal to take part in free screening tests to detect and prevent liver diseases at an early stage. Raising awareness about the risks and effects of hepatitis C is crucial because without urgent action, it is predicted that an additional 9.5 million new infections and 2.1 million deaths from viral hepatitis will occur by 2030. The World Health Organization has formulated a strategy that calls for a drastic reduction in new infections and hepatitis-related deaths.

In summary, with this initiative, the Thai government is taking an important step in the right direction to not only raise awareness about hepatitis C, but also provide tangible solutions to combat this serious disease. There is great hope that the health system will be sustainably strengthened through targeted education and improved access to treatment.