Taiwan is intensifying its public health initiatives to combat hepatitis B and enhance early liver cancer detection, building on its recent success in meeting the World Health Organization’s hepatitis C elimination goals ahead of schedule. Shih Chung-liang, the Minister of Health and Welfare, outlined the country’s new focus on curbing hepatitis B infections, boosting liver cancer screening efforts, and tackling non-viral liver diseases, such as obesity-induced fatty liver disease.

Despite Taiwan’s advancements, liver cancer remains a significant health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and resulting in over 7,000 deaths annually. Health experts point out that nearly 40 percent of liver cancer cases in Taiwan are identified at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and escalates healthcare expenses. In response, Taiwanese health authorities are crafting a national cancer control program tailored to the population, featuring a liver cancer risk assessment model aimed at improving early detection rates.

This health strategy also addresses the rising concern of non-viral liver cancer, which is gaining attention as a growing public health issue. Partnering with specialists from the medical and technology sectors, the Good Liver Foundation is at the forefront of these efforts. They have developed “iGood Liver AI,” an advanced artificial intelligence tool that utilizes ultrasound technology to identify and evaluate liver tumors in real-time. By highlighting suspicious areas, the software aids in distinguishing between benign and malignant growths during standard medical examinations.

While this AI-powered tool is designed to enhance the diagnostic process, medical professionals emphasize that it is meant to support rather than replace doctors. Serving as an auxiliary diagnostic aid, it aims to improve detection accuracy and minimize the likelihood of missed diagnoses. To ensure broader access to this cutting-edge technology, the Good Liver Foundation has secured funding to distribute 50 AI systems to medical facilities in remote and underserved regions, thereby extending liver disease screening and early intervention services throughout Taiwan.