by Byun Seonjin
Published 17 Apr.2023 15:00(KST)
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 17th that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver on the 17th to jointly promote the 1st Basic Plan for Viral Hepatitis (Type B and C) Management (2023?2027) and strengthen viral hepatitis prevention and management.
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea, is caused by hepatitis B and C viruses in about 70% of cases. The Disease Control and Prevention Agency established a plan on the 31st of last month to build a comprehensive hepatitis management system covering prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment to reduce the mortality rate from liver diseases caused by hepatitis by 40% by 2027.
Until now, the Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver have collaborated in various fields to protect the health and improve the quality of life of infected individuals and their families by conducting evidence-based research for viral hepatitis prevention and management, and promoting education and awareness to reduce the disease burden from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Through this memorandum of understanding, both organizations pledged to jointly strengthen domestic viral hepatitis prevention and management capabilities, including early detection, management, and treatment of hepatitis patients, as well as providing and disseminating verified hepatitis information based on evidence.
In particular, they plan to enhance ▲ research for early detection and treatment of hepatitis patients and cooperation with medical institutions for treatment linkage ▲ national and local government hepatitis management projects and post-screening follow-up ▲ development of guidelines, educational and promotional materials, research, surveys, and joint campaigns.
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