Nationwide awareness-raising program for viral hepatitis in Japan: the "<i>Shitte kan-en</i>" project

Abstract

Chronic viral hepatitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in Japan. In the 2009 financial year, the Japanese government enacted the Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures, followed by the Basic Guidelines for Promotion of Control Measures for Hepatitis 2 years later. The guidelines emphasize the importance of provision and dissemination of accurate information on viral hepatitis and public awareness-raising. A subsidy program on hepatitis was therefore launched by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2011, called "Shitte kan-en" (in English, "Let's learn about hepatitis"), and involves popular Japanese actors and singers. The project started awareness-raising activities in the 2013 financial year, as the "National Campaign Project for Hepatitis Measures". It aims to communicate concise and accurate information about hepatitis and the necessity of testing for viral hepatitis. It also encourages citizens to take a positive approach to early detection and treatment. To date, the main initiatives of the project are as follows: i) celebrity visits to prefectural governors to draw attention to the condition, ii) educational events in cooperation with hepatologists in regional core hospitals, iii) support for partner companies' hepatitis awareness activities in workplaces, and iv) support for the activities of program promoters. Targeting approaches to particular groups is likely to be key to success for general awareness-raising. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this multifaceted approach is warranted to reduce the undiagnosed population and improve the link between testing and care for viral hepatitis in Japan.

Effect of COVID‐19 on hepatitis B and C virus countermeasures: Hepatologist responses from nationwide survey in Japan

“…As for the viral hepatitis countermeasure, several initiatives have been adopted by government such as free HBV and HCV testing and screening among people ≥40 years old and a medical expense subsidy system for antiviral treatment of HBV and HCV under the Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures (2010) 3–6 . In addition, the National Campaign Project for Hepatitis Measures (2013) for awareness and a routine three doses of hepatitis vaccine to all infants (2017) contributed to gradual decreases in the incidence and prevalence of HBV and HCV infections 7,8 . Indeed, until 2020, Japan was moving in the right direction to achieve HBV and HCV elimination by 2030 9–11 …”

“…[3][4][5][6] In addition, the National Campaign Project for Hepatitis Measures (2013) for awareness and a routine three doses of hepatitis vaccine to all infants (2017) contributed to gradual decreases in the incidence and prevalence of HBV and HCV infections. 7,8 Indeed, until 2020, Japan was moving in the right direction to achieve HBV and HCV elimination by 2030. [9][10][11] Unfortunately, on December 31, 2019, China reported 27 cases of a new viral infection with an unknown etiology in Wuhan City of Hubei Province.…”

Liver cirrhosis in Japan: Future global trends in the era of progressive antiviral therapy

“…21 While global measures against hepatitis viruses were activated in the late 2010s, antiviral measures in Japan began to be implemented as a national strategy in the early 2000s. 22,23 Measures targeting viral hepatitis include various approaches, such as identifying asymptomatic patients through resident medical examinations, providing disease-associated information, and increasing research funding in relation to viral hepatitis. 22 However, perhaps the most inventive system involves covering out-ofpocket medical expenses of patients who receive antiviral therapy.…”

“…22,23 Measures targeting viral hepatitis include various approaches, such as identifying asymptomatic patients through resident medical examinations, providing disease-associated information, and increasing research funding in relation to viral hepatitis. 22 However, perhaps the most inventive system involves covering out-ofpocket medical expenses of patients who receive antiviral therapy. In the 2000s, newly developed antiviral drugs increased the number of patients with successful suppression of hepatitis viruses, and financial support for the monetary burden borne by patients was introduced to promote these antiviral treatments.…”

Messages from Japan policy for viral hepatitis

“…Along with the update of "Basic Guidelines for Promotion of Control Measures for Hepatitis" in 2016, The Hepatitis Information Center has been assigned to take more responsibility to promote linkage for care of hepatitis patients, by active participation in the collaboration among regional core centers, specialized medical institutions and central/local governments. In cooperation with the nationwide awareness-raising program, "Shitte Kan-en" project, Hepatitis Information Center and regional core centers have contributed to the synthesis and distribution of the hepatitis educational program to the young generations (7).…”