Current activities and future directions of comprehensive hepatitis control measures in Japan: The supportive role of the Hepatitis Information Center in building a solid foundation.
In Japan, hepatitis B or C virus infection has been a major health issue. For the prevention of liver-related deaths, multifaceted strategies have been taken against hepatitis virus. In fiscal year (FY) 2002, nationwide screening for hepatitis was started as a part of health examinations provided by municipal governments. From FY2007, the hepatitis treatment network has been strengthened by the nationwide establishment of regional government-based hepatitis treatment systems, comprising linked regional core centers, specialized institutions for hepatitis treatment, primary care physicians, and regional governments. Special subsidy program for patients with viral hepatitis was started at FY2008. The range of coverage has been expanding from patients treated with interferon to those on nucleotide analogs or interferon-free therapies, including drug prices and examination expenses. The Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures was established in 2009. The Basic Guidelines for Promotion of Control Measures for hepatitis was issued in 2011, comprising nine principles in order to promote measures for hepatitis B and C. The Hepatitis Information Center was established in 2008. Its mission is to provide up-to-date hepatitis-related information, supporting collaboration between regional core centers, and training medical personnel. The revision of the above-mentioned Basic Guidelines in 2016 set the target as the reduction of patients progressing to cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Achieving this goal definitely requires active collaboration among the national and local governments, regional core centers, and the Hepatitis Information Center, and participation by medical personnel, patients, and people with awareness.
Hepatitis Information Center, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan.
Noriko
N
Oza
Office for Promotion of Hepatitis Measures, Cancer and Disease Control Division, Health Service Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.
Hiroshi
H
Isoda
Office for Promotion of Hepatitis Measures, Cancer and Disease Control Division, Health Service Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.
Toshiki
T
Ono
Hepatitis Information Center, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan.
Tatsuya
T
Kanto
Basic Act an Hepatitis Measures; Basic Guidelines on Hepatitis Measures; health policy; hepatitis; hepatitis information center; regional core centers