KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Global Liver Institute (GLI) led the seventh annual Global Fatty Liver Day (formerly International NASH Day), with the theme “Act Now, Screen Today”, raising awareness about fatty liver disease.
This campaign underscores the crucial need for early identification and treatment of fatty liver disease to prevent its progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or cancer, according to GLI in a statement.
GLI Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Donna R. Cryer said: “As pharmaceutical treatment options gain approval in different geographies, health payers and systems must listen to the call from global advocates and not place undue obstacles to care, whether that be required biopsy, ambiguous lifestyle requirements, or other hurdles, so that patients are able to access the care they require, no matter who or where they are.”
Fatty liver disease is now estimated to affect one in three adults worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing, and with early detection and timely intervention, whether through lifestyle changes or medical treatments, are essential in stopping and even reversing the progression of the disease.
Global Fatty Liver Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of June, is a rallying cry for collective action to address the growing prevalence of fatty liver disease, the most common liver disease worldwide.
There are several proactive steps that individuals can take to maintain liver health which include taking advantage of liver health screening events happening globally to get assessed for fatty liver disease or a check-up with the doctor; increase physical activity; as well as staying informed about the disease and its risk factors.
Recognising the importance of early detection, a diverse range of partners, including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community organisations, have joined forces to “Act Now, Screen Today” and launch screening events worldwide.
These events aim to raise awareness, provide education, and offer screening services to individuals at risk of fatty liver disease or the providers who care for them, with activities to drive positive change at the grassroots level.
Although the challenge of fatty liver disease to the well-being of communities globally is great, the power of locally-rooted, collective efforts can turn the tide towards positive change by heightening awareness, equipping people and their healthcare providers with prevention and management tools, expanding understanding of the disease through research, and protecting future liver health through effective policies.
-- BERNAMA
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