Professor Grace Wong, the Director of Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), shared Hong Kong's initiatives in eliminating Hepatitis C at an online seminar organized by the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination.

With a prevalence rate of approximately 0.3%, Hepatitis C remains a significant health concern in Hong Kong. In 2020, the government launched a five-year Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan, aiming to enhance public awareness, regularly monitor disease indicators, and prevent and treat patients, with the ultimate goal of eliminating both Hepatitis B and C in the region. In addition to official actions, Prof. Wong discussed collaborations between medical institutions, community organizations, and NGOs, such as the "New Live New Liver" program organized by the Center for Liver Health, CUHK, which serves the high-risk population for Hepatitis C in collaboration with addiction rehabilitation institutions. This initiative not only provides screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Hepatitis C but also raises public awareness through online and mainstream media coverage.

Prof. Wong emphasized the recent implementation of the "Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment" one-stop program. Leveraging new technologies for rapid Hepatitis C virus testing, this program enables Hepatitis C patients to undergo a comprehensive set of procedures, including health lectures, hepatitis screening, and liver scans, all within half a day. Doctors can receive the necessary data within 40 to 50 minutes, allowing for the prompt prescription of appropriate medication and treatment. This streamlined process ensures Hepatitis C patients receive quick and efficient treatment, eliminating the need for prolonged waiting times as experienced in the past.