In conjunction with World Hepatitis Day 2025, HCSA Community Services and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) have solidified their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at eliminating Hepatitis C (HCV) among former drug offenders in Singapore. This marks a major milestone for the Educate, Test, Treat! (ETT) initiative, which launched in 2022 with support from Gilead Sciences.
Witnessed by Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information, the MoU highlights a joint commitment to making HCV care more accessible. It combines fast, saliva-based HCV testing with medical expertise and community support — significantly removing barriers for at-risk groups who may have been left behind by traditional healthcare pathways.
Under this enhanced partnership, TTSH will roll out services from August 2025 through the end of 2026, aiming to screen up to 600 individuals. Their holistic support includes:
Community education
Easy-access saliva-based antibody testing
Viral load confirmation for chronic HCV cases
Liver fibrosis assessment
Antiviral treatment prescriptions
Post-treatment cure verification
Those in need will also be referred to HCSA for financial guidance and recovery support.
Building on the success of previous phases — where Phase 1 screened 210 individuals and Phase 2 (which ends in 2025) has already reached 85% of its 400-person goal — this new chapter shows promise. Of those screened in Phase 2, 93% tested positive for HCV antibodies and 68.5% of confirmed cases have started timely treatment, showing the real impact of collaboration between healthcare and social service providers.
“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,” shared Mrs Kim Lang Khalil, CEO of HCSA Community Services.
“We’re committed to providing specialist care beyond hospital walls and into communities where it’s needed most,” added Dr Yew Kuo Chao, Senior Consultant at TTSH’s Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The initiative’s success would not be possible without partners like Gilead Sciences and the Tzu Chi Foundation. Their ongoing support underscores the importance of a collective approach in tackling health inequality.
“We believe in ensuring equitable access to care regardless of background,” said Ms Cathy Su, General Manager of Gilead Sciences for Taiwan, Hong Kong & Singapore. “It’s heartening to see this network of partners grow stronger each year.”
Images: HCSA Community Services
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