Join the Movement for Enhanced Liver Health: Insights from WHA78’s Global Event on Combating Metabolic Disease

In Geneva on May 23, 2025, health experts gathered to discuss a growing concern: rising rates of metabolic liver disease. This event coincided with the 78th World Health Assembly and was co-hosted by several key organizations, including the Global Liver Institute (GLI) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Leaders, policymakers, and public health advocates came together to emphasize the urgent need for stronger public health strategies to address liver disease.

“Liver disease is now the fourth leading cause of death among adults in Mexico,” said Dr. Marta Zapata-Tarres from Mexico’s health ministry. Her team aims for a prevention-first approach, focusing on education and screening from pregnancy onward. This proactive strategy highlights the importance of creating healthier environments for future generations.

At the event, GLI released the updated Best Practices in Liver Health Policy report. This edition includes insights from five countries—Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Qatar—that successfully integrated liver health into their healthcare systems. Dr. Mohamed Hassany from Egypt pointed out that the country’s Hepatitis C campaign showed how essential data-driven efforts are in combatting health issues. “We can change the trajectory of liver health if we use the same strategies,” he added.

Mary Ann Palermo-Maestrai from the Philippines urged for a more connected health system. She noted that building partnerships and integrating data could help overcome current barriers like limited access to care. The goal is to ensure liver health does not remain a neglected issue.

As the global community gears up for the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases in September 2025, there’s a rising sense of urgency. Advocates are pushing for liver health to be a key focus in global health discussions, and there’s a belief that collaborative efforts will pave the way for progress.

While liver health may not always grab headlines, it affects millions worldwide. According to recent studies, around 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. face liver-related issues, emphasizing the need for awareness and action. Users on social media have begun trending conversations around liver health, sharing personal stories to shed light on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. This grassroots advocacy could be powerful in pushing for change.

The current landscape shows not only the challenges but also the opportunities to make meaningful strides in public health. By prioritizing liver health as part of broader health strategies, we can ultimately improve outcomes for many individuals. As we look ahead, the hope is that awareness and action can go hand in hand, fostering a healthier future.

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Global Liver Institute