Singapore Hospitals and Community Services Join Forces to Eliminate Hepatitis C Among Former Drug Offenders

HCSA Community Services and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate Hepatitis C among former drug offenders in Singapore. The partnership aims to expand HCV screening and make care and treatment more accessible through a comprehensive suite of services, including educational outreach, testing, and antiviral therapy. The initiative has already reached 85% of its screening target, with 93% of participants who tested HCV antibody positive receiving treatment.

In a significant move towards public health, HCSA Community Services and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate Hepatitis C (HCV) among former drug offenders in Singapore. The initiative, part of the Educate, Test, Treat! (ETT) program, aims to expand HCV screening and make care and treatment more accessible through a comprehensive suite of services.

The MoU, signed on July 28, 2025, formalizes the collaboration between HCSA Community Services and TTSH to strengthen follow-up care. This includes the use of fast, saliva-based Hepatitis C antibody testing, which avoids the need for blood draws or finger pricks, and access to specialist medical support. The initiative is set to screen up to 600 individuals from August 2025 to the end of 2026.

The first phase of the ETT initiative, launched in 2023, successfully recruited 210 participants, while the second phase, which began in 2024, aimed to screen up to 400 participants. By the end of 2025, the second phase has reached 85% of its target, with 93% of participants who tested HCV antibody positive receiving treatment. Among those confirmed with active HCV infection, 68.5% have received early and appropriate medical treatment.

The partnership aims to break down barriers to care and restore hope for former drug offenders. Mrs. Kim Lang Khalil, Chief Executive Officer of HCSA Community Services, noted, "This partnership marks a significant step to support former drug offenders in reclaiming their health and dignity. By breaking down barriers to care, we are not only treating a disease, but we are also restoring hope."

Dr. Yew Kuo Chao, Senior Consultant from the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at TTSH, added, "Tan Tock Seng Hospital remains committed to delivering specialist care beyond hospital walls and into the community. Through close collaboration with participating halfway houses, we are making tangible progress toward turning the vision of Hepatitis C elimination among former drug offenders in Singapore into reality."

Gilead Sciences, a key partner in the initiative, is proud to support the WHO's hepatitis elimination goal. Ms. Cathy Su, General Manager for Taiwan, Hong Kong & Singapore, Gilead Sciences, stated, "At Gilead, we remain deeply committed to working closely and collaboratively with local partners to reach vulnerable populations, reduce health disparities, and ensure that every individual—regardless of background—has access to the care they need."

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hcsa-community-services-and-tan-tock-seng-hospital-sign-mou-to-hepatitis-c-elimination-in-singapore-302514753.html