MoH Union Minister calls for inclusive peace talks to strengthen healthcare, achieve UHC

Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win said at the opening ceremony of the World Hepatitis Summit 2026 that Myanmar is calling for inclusive peace talks, which are a fundamental requirement for strengthening healthcare systems and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He also said at the summit, held from 28 to 30 April at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, Thailand, that the event, held under the theme “Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now,” aligns closely with Myanmar’s efforts to leave no one behind in the fight against hepatitis. He added that his ministry is committed to achieving the goal of eliminating hepatitis in Myanmar by 2030.

The Union minister said that Myanmar’s progress in hepatitis prevention and treatment has led to the expansion of free hepatitis C treatment to 36 public hospitals nationwide by 2025, bringing emergency healthcare services closer to the people. He added that the hepatitis B vaccine has been included in the national immunization programme and is administered to all newborns immediately after birth. He further noted that the National Blood Centre and similar facilities across the country have been systematically implementing a safe blood donation programme since 2012, and that the incidence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C has been decreasing significantly year by year.

The Union minister also said that hepatitis treatment drugs are being manufactured locally and that special emphasis is being placed on preventing mother-to-child transmission and promoting people-centered healthcare. He added that a national strategic plan for hepatitis has been formulated and implemented to make prevention and treatment services accessible to everyone. The ministry is also accelerating disease prevention and treatment activities in collaboration with the Myanmar Liver Foundation and international organizations. He further expressed his hope that representatives, experts, and partner organizations from various countries attending the conference would strengthen cooperation in healthcare activities, including hepatitis prevention and treatment.

The Union minister then held a separate meeting with Mr Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health of Thailand, to discuss further cooperation in healthcare services between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Union minister discussed measures to effectively implement policies aimed at increasing citizens’ life expectancy, strengthening healthcare services that directly benefit the public, enhancing existing health cooperation in border areas between the two countries, promoting collaboration in health human resource development, advancing the Dawei Hospital upgrade project, and providing training for doctors and nurses to improve their performance. He also discussed cooperation between the two countries to upgrade healthcare systems, achieve the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and address other mutually beneficial issues in the health sector.

The conference was attended by health ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries from health ministries of ASEAN and other countries, as well as senior health officials. Other participants included the President and members of the World Hepatitis Alliance, regional directors from the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regional Offices, invited liver specialists, and other distinguished guests.

MNA/TH

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