DH urges early testing and management of hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer (with photo)
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"In the 1970s, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection exceeded 10 per cent, posing a significant public health challenge in Hong Kong. Since the 1980s, the Government has progressively implemented a series of effective measures free of charge, including universal antenatal screening for pregnant women, hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns, and administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin to newborns with high infection risk. These measures have successfully reduced the prevalence of HBV infection significantly. As derived from the results of the Population Health Survey 2020-22, it is estimated that the prevalence of HBV infection has decreased to 5.6 per cent in the general population. The prevalence among the younger generation born after the implementation of the universal childhood hepatitis B immunisation programme in 1988 is now below one per cent, indicating that we are moving towards the goal of a 'hepatitis B-free generation'. The data show that after more than four decades of sustained efforts, Hong Kong has made significant progress in reducing the public health risk posed by hepatitis B," said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.
"Nevertheless, CHB can be found in about one in every 20 people in Hong Kong. Among people with CHB, nearly 40 per cent are unaware of their infection status and about 70 per cent do not have any medical follow-up for their liver diseases. Therefore, strengthening screening to identify undiagnosed cases in the community and ensuring that confirmed cases are linked to appropriate medical services remain key priorities of the Government's work in the elimination of hepatitis B," said Dr Wong.
Among the estimated 410 000 people in the Hong Kong population with CHB, most were born before 1988 who did not benefit from the Government's universal childhood hepatitis B immunisation programme. CHB is a lifelong infection that often shows no symptoms for decades. Without treatment, about 15 to 40 per cent of people with CHB may develop serious liver diseases like cirrhosis or liver cancer in the long run. Liver cancer is Hong Kong's third leading cause of cancer deaths, claiming around 1 400 lives every year. About 80 per cent of new cases of primary liver cancer have CHB.
The Government's inaugural Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2020-2024 laid a solid foundation for eliminating the public health threat posed by viral hepatitis. The Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025-2030, launched in 2025, sets out strategies to further strengthen prevention and control through a series of initiatives, and to co-ordinate all stakeholders' joint efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis, including the roll-out of a risk-based hepatitis B screening programme in the community.
The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Co-care Scheme in February 2026, which adopted the co-payment model and family doctor collaboration mechanism of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme, to provide risk-based hepatitis B screening and long-term management for individuals at higher risk of HBV infection, such as those having family members who contracted CHB. It allows suitable patients to receive continuous care services in the community. As of July 15 this year, around 33 000 people have enrolled in the Co-care Scheme.
Dr Wong reminded members of the public that apart from achieving "early identification" through screenings, "early treatment" is equally important. Antiviral medications for CHB can effectively inhibit the replication of HBV, thereby reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. People with CHB should have regular medical follow-up and relevant investigations to determine when antiviral treatment is needed and to detect and manage changes in liver condition early. Self-awareness of infection status and receiving the required subsequent management are crucial for preventing complications and death caused by CHB.
For more information on World Hepatitis Day 2026 and Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme, please visit the thematic websites.
Ends/Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:30
Issued at HKT 10:30
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