Health x Wellness
Singapore Steps Up Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts with New Hospital–Community Collaboration
Tan Tock Seng Hospital and HCSA Community Services unite to screen, support and treat former drug offenders—signalling a bold push for inclusive healthcare
In Singapore’s public health landscape, hepatitis C has long flown under the radar. But that’s changing. On World Hepatitis Day 2025, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and HCSA Community Services signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—a signal that elimination is now both priority and possibility.
This renewed partnership brings muscle to the Educate, Test, Treat! (ETT) initiative, launched in 2022 with the support of Gilead Sciences. The goal? Reach vulnerable populations—specifically former drug offenders—with faster diagnostics, stronger follow-up care, and access to treatment that could prevent liver disease and transform lives.
Screening with Purpose, Supporting with Care
Beginning August 2025, the joint effort will expand outreach to screen up to 600 individuals by the end of 2026. What makes the programme stand out is its practical, human-centred approach:
- Fast, saliva-based tests that avoid needles
- Medical follow-up for those with chronic hepatitis C
- Antiviral treatment and fibrosis screening via TTSH specialists
- Financial counselling and support services through HCSA
It’s about removing barriers—whether medical, emotional or logistical—and restoring dignity.
A Track Record of Impact
Phase 1 of the ETT initiative kicked off in 2023 with 210 participants. Phase 2, underway since 2024, has already reached 85 percent of its screening target. Among those tested:
- Ninety-three percent who screened positive for hepatitis C antibodies were confirmed
- Of these, 68.5 percent have received timely and appropriate medical treatment
This rapid progress was made possible through close collaboration with halfway houses and support partners such as Gilead Sciences and the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind
“This partnership marks a significant step to support former drug offenders in reclaiming their health and dignity,” said Mrs Kim Lang Khalil, Chief Executive Officer of HCSA Community Services. “By breaking down barriers to care, we are not only treating a disease—we are restoring hope.”
Dr Yew Kuo Chao, Senior Consultant from the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at TTSH, echoed the sentiment: “We are delivering specialist care beyond hospital walls and into the community. Together, we are making tangible progress toward eliminating hepatitis C in Singapore.”
Eliminating Hepatitis C, Building Health Equity
Globally, the World Health Organization has called for hepatitis C elimination by 2030. In Singapore, reaching that goal means building trust, improving access, and tackling stigma—especially among underserved groups.
That’s where partners like Gilead Sciences come in. “We remain deeply committed to working collaboratively with local partners to reach vulnerable populations and reduce health disparities,” said Cathy Su, General Manager of Taiwan, Hong Kong & Singapore, Gilead Sciences. “We’re encouraged to see this network grow stronger year by year, reflecting the power of partnership in driving meaningful change.”
A New Model for Preventive Care
With this MoU signed, the ETT initiative enters a new chapter—one where healthcare is accessible, inclusive and community-led. For former drug offenders who often fall through the cracks, it’s a reminder that healing is possible—and that no one should face hepatitis C alone.
Pictures credit to HCSA Community Services and Tan Tock Seng Hospital
