Global Liver Institute Convenes Largest Number of Community Events around the World in the 6 Years of International NASH Day
Washington, D.C., June 08, 2023, 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, or about 2 billion people, are affected by NAFLD. 20% of thosewith 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 assessmentare 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/NASHto 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/NASHand make a note to talk to your primary care provider at your next appointment.
Support the NASHday social media campaignusing hashtags NASHday StepUpforNASH. Please direct any additional questions to NASHday@globalliver.org.
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