Together for Better Liver Health: WHA78 Side Event Unites Global Stakeholders to Strengthen Public Health Responses to Metabolic Disease

/EIN News/ -- Geneva, Switzerland, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global health leaders call for urgent, integrated action on the rising rates of metabolic liver disease during a high-level policy event held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly and co-hosted by Global Liver Institute (GLI), the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). This event brought together leading experts, policymakers, public health officials, and advocates to push for stronger public health strategies that address liver disease as part of the global noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) response and highlight the need to embed liver health within national NCD strategies.

“With liver disease now being the fourth leading cause of adult death in Mexico, we are acting early—starting from pregnancy to school-age—with education, screening, and healthier environments. Our vision is prevention-driven and science-led”, shared Marta Zapata-Tarres, MD, PhD, Sub Secretary for Health and Director for National Institutes of Health, Mexico.

During the event, GLI released the second edition of the Best Practices in Liver Health Policy report, featuring 5 new case studies from Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Qatar to demonstrate the integration of liver health into clinical pathways and broader health frameworks. Mohamed Hassany, MD, Prof., Minister's Assistant for Projects and Public Health Initiatives, Ministry of Health and Population, The Arab Republic of Egypt mentioned, “The Hepatitis C campaign taught us a vital lesson: data-driven national efforts combined with trained human resources and specialized centers can change the course of a public health crisis. We now have the opportunity to apply these same tools to address severe liver disease.” Speakers championed a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to liver health, including early diagnosis and treatment, community-based care models, and policy frameworks aligned with Universal Health Coverage and the WHO Global NCDs Action Plan. 

“To overcome barriers like fragmented data and limited access, we are building a smarter, more connected system. By integrating data and partnering with the private sector, we are creating a future where liver health is no longer neglected,” shares Mary Ann Palermo-Maestrai, Undersecretary, Department of Health, Philippines.

As momentum builds toward the 4th United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on NCDs in September 2025, GLI will continue to drive global policy action and strengthen international collaboration to secure liver health as a core global health priority.

Christine Maalouf
                    Global Liver Institute
                    cmaalouf@globalliver.org