Global Urgency to Combat the Rising Threat of Liver Diseases

The global health community is raising alarms over the increasing prevalence of liver diseases, especially metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). During a pivotal meeting held in Barcelona on June 5-6, over 100 international experts emphasized the urgent need for early detection and person-centered care to prevent many individuals from remaining undiagnosed and untreated.

MASLD now affects approximately one-third of adults worldwide, with MASH impacting around 5%. Risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic conditions significantly elevate the likelihood of developing these liver conditions. Despite their severity, MASH often remains silent until the disease advances to more critical stages, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The recent publication in rom the Lancet Regional Health - Europe features prominent hepatology and metabolic health specialists urging health systems to double the diagnosis rate of MASH by 2027. Achieving this requires integrating innovative diagnostic tools like non-invasive imaging and AI-driven screening methods into primary care settings, facilitated by updated policies and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This strategic shift aims to catch the disease early and deliver effective treatments more broadly.

In addition to medical advances, efforts are underway to change the language and perception surrounding liver diseases. The People-First Liver Charter, endorsed by over 70 organizations and published in nd in rom Nature Medicine, advocates for a compassionate, stigma-reducing approach that emphasizes dignity, respect, and patient empowerment.

Focusing on regional impacts, Spain provides a case study illustrating the escalating burden: projections suggest a rise from 8 million MASLD cases in 2021 to over 12.7 million by 2030, with consequential increases in mortality and healthcare costs. Experts highlight the necessity of national strategies encompassing registries, enhanced clinical training, automated diagnostics, and integrated community services.

With adult liver disease affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people globally, its exclusion from current non-communicable disease (NCD) initiatives is concerning. Leading voices call for the inclusion of chronic liver diseases in the upcoming United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs in September 2025, stressing that early intervention and preventive strategies are key to reversing this trend.

In summary, the coalition of health experts advocates for a comprehensive, proactive approach combining advanced diagnostics, policy reforms, public awareness, and stigma reduction to address the silent but escalating threat of liver diseases worldwide.