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May 01, 2026 -
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Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win stated that the Ministry of Health is firmly committed to achieving the goal of eliminating hepatitis in Myanmar by 2030 during his speech at the 2026 World Hepatitis Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 28 to 30 April.
The Myanmar delegation attended the summit at the invitation of HE Mr Pattana Promphat, Thailand’s Minister of Public Health.
The theme of the summit was “Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now.” the Union Minister noted that the event’s goals align with Myanmar’s efforts to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against hepatitis. He also mentioned that invitations for inclusive peace talks—a fundamental requirement for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—are being extended.
By 2025, free Hepatitis C treatment services were expanded in Myanmar to 36 public hospitals nationwide and the Hepatitis B vaccine has been integrated into the National Immunization Programme, with all newborns receiving a dose after delivery.
Since 2012, the National Blood Bank and all blood banks have implemented systematic screening programmes to ensure safe blood transfusions. Both Hepatitis B and C prevalence rates have shown a significant year-on-year decrease. Efforts are underway to manufacture hepatitis medications locally and priority is being given to preventing mother-to-child transmission and providing people-centred healthcare, the Union Minister added.
MT/ZN
