Xiaohui's story of living with hepatitis B in Taiwan

Xiaohui has been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, but she has always been healthy and symptom-free. Her liver shows no signs of inflammation, fibrosis or cirrhosis, and she rarely even catches a cold. Regrettably, a massive liver tumor was discovered at the age of 36. Despite surgical removal, it unfortunately recurred and had spread to other organs. Xiaohui is on targeted drug therapy covered by government health insurance. If the drug fails one day, she hopes the government will continue to help her. Xiaohui does not meet government insurance criteria for the latest immunotherapy plus targeted drug. She is now being treated with chemotherapy and a second line immunotherapy at her own expense. We urge the Taiwan government to expand access to first-line immunotherapy and targeted drugs, giving Xiaohui a better chance to survive and raise her children. Hepatitis B is the main cause of liver cancer. There are vaccines to prevent infection and drugs to control the virus. Vaccination and treatment can greatly reduce liver cancer risk.

Producer: Jacki Chen

Interviewer: Jacki Chen, Rhea Racho, Mike Lin

Organizer & Sponsor：Hepatitis B Foundation (USA) Co-organizer：Taiwan Hepatitis Information & Care Association (THICA)