Beijing, July 28, 2025 – China is entering a critical phase in its battle against Hepatitis B, shifting its focus to managing the existing pool of 75 million infected individuals. While significant strides have been made in prevention, the sheer number of carriers presents a formidable challenge, particularly in light of the disease’s link to liver cancer, one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the country.
Liver cancer remains a major public health concern in China. According to recent statistics, China accounts for approximately 50% of the world’s new liver cancer cases and deaths annually. Data from the National Cancer Center reveals that in 2022, there were 367,700 new cases of liver cancer in China. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to manage Hepatitis B, a primary risk factor for the disease.
The fight against Hepatitis B in China has been a long and arduous journey. Decades of mass vaccination programs, particularly targeting newborns, have significantly reduced the rate of new infections. However, the large number of individuals already living with the virus requires a different approach – one focused on early detection, treatment, and prevention of disease progression.
The stock tackling phase, as it’s being called, involves several key strategies:
- Enhanced Screening Programs: Expanding access to affordable and reliable Hepatitis B screening is crucial for identifying infected individuals, many of whom may be unaware of their status.
- Improved Treatment Access: Ensuring that all infected individuals have access to antiviral therapies is essential for suppressing the virus, preventing liver damage, and reducing the risk of liver cancer.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about Hepatitis B, its transmission routes, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is vital for reducing stigma and promoting proactive healthcare seeking behavior.
- Research and Development: Continued investment in research is needed to develop new and more effective treatments for Hepatitis B and liver cancer.
The success of this stock tackling phase will be critical in reducing the burden of liver cancer in China and improving the health outcomes for millions of individuals living with Hepatitis B. While the challenge is significant, the commitment to tackling this public health crisis remains strong.
References:
- China News Network. (2025, July 28). 中新健康丨7500万感染者！中国乙肝防治迈入“存量攻坚”阶段 [China News Health: 75 Million Infected! China’s Hepatitis B Prevention and Control Enters the Stock Tackling Stage]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here]
- National Cancer Center. (2022). Cancer Statistics in China, 2022.
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