GLOBAL LIVER INSTITUTE: PATIENT, MEDICAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GROWING IN NASH COMMUNITY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- Global Liver Institute (GLI) convened largest number of community events worldwide in the six years of International NASH Day, a time where global healthcare experts and community members step up and raise awareness of the most common liver disease in the world, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it is more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

“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.

“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,” said GLI President and Chief Executive Officer, Donna R. Cryer.

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 per cent of the global population, or about two billion people, are affected by NAFLD, and 20 per cent of those with NAFLD progress to NASH.

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.

According to GLI in a statement, 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.

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.

International NASH Day 2023 is endorsed by 30 medical specialty societies worldwide, and more than 50 global organisations, from research institutions to community organisations to medical centres and more, will be hosting events to inform and educate their communities.

-- BERNAMA