Interpretation of the National Action Plan for Eliminating Hepatitis C as a Public Health Threat (2021–2030)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in China. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, and in 2018, the National Health Commission of China launched Hepatitis C Elimination Action by 2030. Hepatitis C control and prevention has made significant progress in China in recent years. To implement the “Healthy China 2030” plan and the Healthy China Initiative (2019–2030), and to contribute to the global target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the National Health Commission of China and eight other government departments jointly issued the National Action Plan for Eliminating Hepatitis C as a Public Health Threat (2021–2030) (hereinafter referred to as the “National Plan”) in 2021. The National Plan has an overarching goal and 15 specific targets that cover health education, comprehensive prevention interventions, testing and treatment, and capacity building. The National Plan introduces key tasks and strategies of “five strengthenings, one expanding, and one implementation,” i.e., strengthening health education, comprehensive prevention, referral and treatment, drug supply, and information management; expanding testing; and implementing relevant medical insurance policies. The National Plan also proposes key guaranteeing measures of “four intensifications and one mobilization,” i.e., intensification of organizational leadership, capacity building, scientific research and international cooperation, and supervision and fulfillment; mobilization of social participation. The National Plan is an important component of the Healthy China initiative, adhering to the integration of treatment and prevention and deepening the “integration of medical treatment, medical insurance, and medicine supplies.” In this review, we describe the National Plan and discuss its challenges and prospects.