Damyang County Expands Free Hepatitis C Antibody Testing

For Residents Aged 20 and Over
Free Hepatitis C Antibody Testing Available Until November

Damyang County is conducting a free antibody testing program for hepatitis C targeting residents aged 20 and over until November. Photo by Damyang County

Damyang County (Governor Jeong Cheolwon) announced on June 4 that it will implement a "Hepatitis C Elimination Project" until November to protect residents' health and expand opportunities for early treatment.

Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea, and 70 to 80 percent of these cases are caused by hepatitis C. In particular, hepatitis C is difficult to detect early because it has no noticeable symptoms, making regular testing and connection to treatment especially important.

The current national program supporting hepatitis C confirmation test fees is limited to those aged 56, so the county has launched this project to expand eligibility to all residents, aiming to provide broader health management support.

The program targets adults aged 20 and over who reside in Damyang. Anyone can receive a free hepatitis C antibody test by visiting the Damyang Public Health Center with a valid ID.

In particular, priority testing is recommended for families of confirmed hepatitis C patients, individuals with a history of blood transfusions or shared syringe use, those with chronic liver disease, immunocompromised individuals, and residents aged 50 and over. To prevent hepatitis C, it is important to strictly follow personal hygiene rules, including the safe use of medical devices such as syringes and practicing safe sex.

A county official stated, "There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, making prevention difficult, and the disease often progresses without symptoms, so it is easy to miss the optimal treatment window." The official urged, "We hope many residents will participate in this free testing to detect the disease early and ensure timely and appropriate treatment."