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From Awareness to Action on Global Fatty Liver Day

Global Liver Institute Unites the Field in Times of Name Changes and New Treatments

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today marks the seventh annual Global Fatty Liver Day (formerly International NASH Day), led by Global Liver Institute (GLI) with the theme “Act Now, Screen Today.” 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.

Fatty liver disease is now estimated to affect 1 in 3 adults worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Fatty liver disease during childhood, once unheard of, is also on the rise. Early detection and timely intervention, whether through lifestyle changes or medical treatments, are essential in stopping and even reversing the progression of the disease. “Act Now, Screen Today'' emphasizes that liver health is achievable, but action must begin immediately. Across the globe, partners are driving awareness and educational efforts and ensuring broader access to essential screenings and care.

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. “Act Now, Screen Today” reminds everyone that liver health is within reach. Here are specific actions you can take today:

  • Take advantage of liver health screening events happening globally to get assessed for fatty liver disease or schedule a check–up with your doctor, especially if you are managing closely associated metabolic conditions like obesity or diabetes
  • Increase physical activity, as maintaining an active lifestyle can improve liver health
  • Learn about fatty liver disease and its risk factors to take proactive steps towards prevention and management yourself or learn more about the latest research and guidelines for your patients.

With a robust pipeline of pharmaceutical treatments that address diverse mechanisms of action in progress, it is important to identify individuals’ position within the progression of fatty liver disease so that they are poised to receive the most appropriate care possible. Notably, pharmaceutical treatments are available (for certain groups with advanced disease) in two countries, the United States (resmetirom) and India (saroglitazar).

“As a community, we stand at a critical time for the broader global health system to act now to support patients,” shares Donna R. Cryer, JD, Founder and CEO of GLI. “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.”

Recognizing the importance of early detection, a diverse range of partners, including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community organizations, have joined forces to “Act Now, Screen Today” and launch screening events around the world. From Chile to Nigeria to the Netherlands, the Philippines, and beyond, 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. Global Fatty Liver Day activities are driving positive change at the grassroots level.

“Global Fatty Liver Day is an urgent call–to–action to unite our global efforts to confront the scourge of fatty liver disease,” shares Cat Evans, Director of Program Operations at GLI. “We must act now. By working together, we have the power to create significant change in preventing and managing this pressing health issue through our collaborative efforts.”

Although the challenge of fatty liver disease to the well–being of communities around the globe 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.

About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, or visit www.globalliver.org. GLI is the host of Global Fatty Liver Day.

Christine Maalouf 
Global Liver Institute
cmaalouf@globalliver.org


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Global Leaders Gather to Exchange Best Practices in Liver Health Policy

Geneva, Switzerland, May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI) convened esteemed global leaders for an event on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, entitled “Together for Better Liver Health: Amplifying Best Practices Globally,” in partnership with the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). Now in its second year, this exclusive gathering has quickly attracted health leaders from around the world to become a driving force for liver health policy initiatives. 
To complement the event, GLI released Best Practices in Liver Health Policy: A Liver Health is Public Health Report, which evaluates successes that certain countries have had in liver health policy to give insight and promote effective policies worldwide. The report highlights persistent challenges that patients face globally and thoughtful, thorough policies that address these challenges. Drawing examples from Egypt, India, Ireland, Scotland, and Türkiye, it showcases measures such as utilizing primary care data to screen high–risk populations and integrating fatty liver disease into national programs targeting non–communicable diseases.
The more than 100 types of liver disease– driven by a variety of causes from genetic, to viral, to over–exposure to toxic substances – pose substantial challenges for global communities and the health systems that serve them:

“We are so grateful to work with such an enduring partner, EASL, and the expert panelists featured, to showcase how addressing liver health aligns with achieving major global public health priorities,” shared Donna R. Cryer, JD, CEO of GLI. “We launched the Liver Health is Public Health Initiative in the UK in 2022 hoping to engage and inspire international leaders and health ministers to deploy the diverse and powerful array of public health tools available to them to the tasks of preventing, identifying, and treating the millions at–risk or living with liver diseases and today is a significant milestone.
In a remarkable display of multi–stakeholder partnership and progress built upon the success of the inaugural event, the event demonstrated the expansion and elevation of the collaboration. For a full list of speakers, including key government figures in health as well as the leaders of internationally renowned organizations, please view the program agenda.
“We are happy to co–host this event alongside GLI and look forward to seeing its reverberating global impact,” shared Aleksander Krag, MD, PhD, MBA; Secretary General, EASL. “It is critical that this event happens in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly, while leaders from each member state work together to prepare next year’s health agenda.”

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Doctors and Experts around the World Call for Urgent Action to Prevent Liver Health Crisis

Washington D.C., Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI), the premier patient–led liver health nonprofit operating globally, released the second edition of its "Global State of Liver Health" report, now including 22 countries covering every region of the world. Following the impetus of the Liver Health is Public Health initiative, international experts drew attention to pressing opportunities for their respective governments to prioritize and improve liver health.

Liver disease continues to pose a heavy burden for the world and its health systems:

"Our continued exploration of the scope and scale of the impact of liver diseases gives us both pause and hope. Powerful human intellect has developed many innovative solutions," noted GLI CEO Donna R. Cryer, JD. "Rather than let these solutions go to waste, it is now time to direct political will towards putting them into practice and ensuring the ability to achieve liver health "" and overall health "" around the world."

Strategies and technologies currently exist that can prevent liver disease or catch it early. However, putting these tools into practice can require financial investment, expert training, and often complex execution on a scale that necessitates government support. Several of the report's expert advisors highlighted the policy opportunities and successes that might support liver health:

"We don't have many tools currently to control tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and even the consumption of unhealthy diets in Vietnam," shared Dr. Tung Pham, report advisor and lecturer /physician at Hanoi Medical University. "These are the second and third leading factors, so a tightening of standards, maybe raising taxes and implementing other promotional programs, will be essential."

In contrast, a liberal treatment program that provided newly developed hepatitis C treatment to patients in Australia without many barriers has eliminated more than half of the viral disease throughout the country. As report advisor and leading hepatologist Dr. Simone Strasser noted in the report, several features brought about a successful program, including comprehensive training of primary care providers, minimal direct cost to patients, and local access to treatment.

National experts have identified the greatest threats to liver health in their communities. Now, those who care about liver health and its related conditions must urge their national leaders to prioritize and implement solutions.

The Liver Health is Public Health initiative is made possible thanks to the support of Sanofi and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

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About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.

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Growth in Patient and Medical Community Engagement in NASH Community Persists Despite Recent Regulatory Disappointment

Washington, D.C., June 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today is International NASH Day, a time where healthcare experts and community members around the globe step up and raise awareness of the most common liver disease in the world "" nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) "" and it's more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, which can lead to scarring and cirrhosis (permanent damage that impairs liver function). An estimated 25% of the global population, or about 2 billion people, are affected by NAFLD. 20% of those with NAFLD progress to NASH.
International NASH Day 2023 is endorsed by 30 medical specialty societies from around the world, and more than 50 global organizations, from research institutions to community organizations to medical centers and more, will be hosting events to inform and educate their communities.
"By releasing new, multilingual resources to help patients access NASH diagnostics and treatment, leading even more awareness and educational events worldwide, and continuing to foster opportunities for patients to step up and speak out, GLI and its partners are stepping up for those with or at risk of NASH this year," shared Donna R. Cryer, JD, President and CEO of Global Liver Institute. "We have been heartened through collaboration with the broader patient advocacy community on health technology assessment (HTA) and regulatory processes. Together we have made certain that the patient voice is the clear, powerful force that it ought to be."
While NASH can develop at any point in life, many of the factors that heighten an individual's risk of developing NASH are well–known, including overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Despite established risk factors, too often patients in high–risk groups are still not triaged, not screened, and not connected to the care they require. We are grateful that, just this year, several societies have updated their treatment guidelines for identifying and caring for NAFLD/NASH to reflect our best current understanding of the disease. We are grateful to the scientists who have expanded our understanding of "" and ability to control "" the disease. It is time for health systems to step up and invest effort in operationalizing these new guidelines.

We urge health system leaders to step up and examine the NASH patient pathway, identify where patients are lost, and bolster those processes.
We encourage primary care and endocrinology providers to step up and learn which of their patients are at heightened risk of NAFLD/NASH "" and to connect them to the screening they need.
We challenge the media to step up against the stigma and cover stories about NAFLD/NASH and liver health, especially when discussing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors.
We implore regulators to step up for the livelihood of the millions of patients around the world whose lives are affected by NAFLD/NASH.

Clear, strong connections between primary care providers, specialists, and intervention support are all critical "" and within reach "" to help more patients find and stop the progression of NASH while they have the opportunity.
"It can be overwhelming how widespread the chronic, progressive disease of NAFLD and NASH has become. Those at risk should know they are supported and empowered to step up for a healthier liver," encouraged Jeff McIntyre, VP of Liver Health Programs at Global Liver Institute. "Ask your doctor for a screening if you have a risk factor "" and receive the treatment you need before the disease progresses. Individuals can make small changes with big impacts to support better liver health through better nutrition and incorporating more movement into their daily habits. Although fatty liver disease can progress, it can be controlled if caught early. Get screened now for a healthy liver."
It's time to #StepUpforNASH!

Join the Movement
Get tested! Check if you are at risk for NAFLD/NASH and make a note to talk to your primary care provider at your next appointment.
Support the #NASHday social media campaign using hashtags #NASHday #StepUpforNASH. Please direct any additional questions to NASHday@globalliver.org.

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About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a patient–driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in the EU and UK, founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver disease and the importance of liver health to well–being. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to improve research, care, and policy. By bringing together more than 200 community–based, national, and international organizations across its councils, campaigns, and events, GLI equips advocates to identify and solve the problems that matter to liver patients. Follow GLI on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. GLI is the global host of International NASH Day.
International NASH Day and its logo are registered trademarks of Global Liver Institute.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8854884)

International NASH Day Highlights a Common – But Unfamiliar – Liver Disease

Washington, D.C., June 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Liver Institute (GLI) calls attention to NASH by leading the 5th annual International NASH Day on June 9. The number of people with this advanced liver disease is expected to double by 2030, but #NASHday aims to prevent this growth. Join the movement to #StopNASHNow by listening in as 24 expert panelists from around the globe share the latest updates about the disease or adding to the conversation on social media (#NASHday). The movement permeates the globe through many locally–organized events to educate about, screen for, and prevent NASH.

NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) is a serious, progressive condition in which too much fat accumulates on the liver, leading to its inflammation and injury. It is the severe form of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Modern lifestyle and dietary patterns have contributed to increased prevalence of NASH and NAFLD around the world, and it is becoming the most common cause of liver disease. Given its widespread impact and the possibility of prevention in most cases of this disease, NASH emerges as a global health priority.

"With over a hundred million people worldwide already who have NASH and several times more in the earlier stages, people have reason to know about this progressive condition and what they can do today to combat it," shared Donna R. Cryer, president and CEO of GLI. "Collective action is imperative to be certain that individuals in each community, no matter their background or environment, are informed and equipped to prevent fatty liver disease. The momentum that we build together today must advance and sustain the global fight against NASH."

If you didn't know, then now you know! Even though NASH is common, it remains relatively unknown, leaving much work to be done to increase public awareness. This year, GLI and its partners join with the theme to #StopNASHNow: Even as therapies for NASH are being developed, there are many steps that people and their doctors can take today to prevent, reverse, or slow the progression of fatty liver disease. For the 25% of adults already affected worldwide, it is due time for this life–changing knowledge.

  • An estimated 1 in 4 adults around the world already has NAFLD.
  • As many as 1 in 20 people has NASH.
  • The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing among all global regions and among all ethnicities in parallel with diabetes and obesity.
  • NASH can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer "" which may necessitate a liver transplant.

"International NASH Day demonstrates the potential that is realized as all stakeholders in NASH come together worldwide," said Jeff McIntyre, NASH Programs Director at GLI. "From in–person screenings in at–risk communities to educational materials in 16 languages to challenging conversations with researchers, providers, and patients "" today the world joins to create meaningful solutions for patients at every stage of NAFLD and NASH."

International NASH Day has garnered the endorsement of prominent organizations from around the globe: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD); Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH); Asociacin Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hgado (ALEH); Associazione Italiana Studio del Fegato (AISF); Asociacin Mexicana de Hepatologa (AMH); Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL); Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (CASL); Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (COLDA); European African Treatment Advocates Network (EATAN); European Fatty Liver Conference (EFLC); European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN); EU Patient–Centric Clinical Trial Platforms (EU–PEARL); Fondazione Epatocentro Ticino; Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP); Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL); North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN); Sociedad Argentina de Hepatologia (SAHE);Turkish Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL); United European Gastroenterology (UEG); World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO); and World Patients Alliance (WPA).

Get Involved

To view the expert panels throughout the day today, visit https://hopin.com/events/5th–annual–international–nash–day/registration. Panels are available in English, French, Hindi, Mandarin, and Spanish throughout the day.

For additional information on International NASH Day, visit www.international–nash–day.com.

Support the NASH Day social media campaign using hashtags #NASHday #StopNASHNow. Please direct any additional questions to NASHDay@globalliver.org.

International NASH Day and its logo are registered trademarks of Global Liver Institute.

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About Global Liver Institute

Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. Follow GLI on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. GLI is the global host of International NASH Day.


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