Viral hepatitis B and C screening by collaboration of local administrative organization, 2022-2023

Abstract

In Thailand, it was estimated that there were approximately 2.2 million chronic hepatitis B cases and around 300,000 to 400,000 chronic hepatitis C cases in 2014. There are a significant number of infected individuals who have no access to services because they are unaware of their infection. Division of AIDS and STIs (DAS), Department of Disease Control, implemented a hepatitis B and C screening project to enhance participation of local administrative organizations (LAOs) in support of targeted population to access to services. This article aims to present the project performance results during October 1, 2021-September 30, 2023. The DAS supported HBsAg and Anti-HCV rapid test kits for targeted populations born before 1992 or having risk of hepatitis B and C infection in 76 provinces. Local staff collected data by using a report form and recorded in a computer program. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. The results found that there were 43,402 and 138,594 persons screened for hepatitis B, 46,572 and 146,823 persons screened for hepatitis C in fiscal year 2022-2023, respectively; the mean ages were 49 years and 52 years, respectively. Of these, 2.42% and 2.43% of participants tested positive for HBsAg, and 0.76% and 1.34% of participants tested positive for HCV antibody, respectively. Among anti-HCV positive participants, 14.97% and 36.15% were tested HCV Viral load and 69.81% and 52.32% of them were detected, respectively. For collaboration with LAOs, most of LAOs supported their personnels and places for screening service, including service public relations. Some LAOs supported their budget for screening. We recommend promoting awareness of people and local networks to danger of hepatitis B and C diseases to increase service accessibility, mobilizing resources and sustainable collaboration, including developing referral system for infected persons to treatment.