Myanmar committed to eliminating hepatitis - Minister

30 July 2019
Myanmar committed to eliminating hepatitis - Minister
Union Minister Dr.Myint Htwe delivers the Opening Speech at the World Hepatitis Day (2019)Ceremony in Yangon on July 28. Photo: Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar

Myanmar health authorities have voiced a commitment to eliminating hepatitis, saying that they will continue to collaborate with the World Hepatitis Alliance on prevention and treatment of the disease, Xinhua reported quoting the Ministry of Health and Sports on Monday.

Commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2019 in Yangon on Sunday, Minister of Health and Sports Myint Htwe vowed to take action in line with this year's motto "Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis."

Citing a survey by the Department of Public Health, the Department of Medical Research and Myanmar Liver Foundation in 2015, Myint Htwe said 6.5 percent of Myanmar's population had hepatitis B, 2.7 percent had hepatitis C, pointing out that one in 10 people with the medical condition was unaware of having it and thus failed to receive medical attention in time.