Global Experts Highlight the Silent Threat of Liver Diseases

In a recent gathering held at the Palau Macaya in Barcelona on June 5-6, a significant assembly of over 100 international experts convened to address the escalating crisis posed by liver diseases. Organized by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), the meeting culminated in a powerful call to action emphasizing the urgent need for prioritizing early detection and personalized care in managing liver-related health issues.

The Growing Concern of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Diseases

Recent statistics reveal that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 33% of adults worldwide, with its more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), impacting about 5% of the population. Individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes, obesity, or other cardiometabolic conditions are at a notably higher risk. Alarmingly, MASH often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, which can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Call for Increased Diagnostic Rates

A newly published article in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe by leading experts in hepatology and metabolic health advocates for a doubling of the MASH diagnosis rate by 2027. The authors stress that many individuals remain undiagnosed, resulting in lost opportunities for timely medical intervention that could significantly enhance patient outcomes and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

Advancements in Diagnostic Tools

The paper outlines innovative non-invasive tools and artificial intelligence-driven technologies designed to identify at-risk patients in primary healthcare settings. The recent approval of a new treatment further underscores the necessity for improved diagnostic access. The authors assert that effective treatments must be accompanied by enhanced diagnostic capabilities to make a meaningful impact.

Proposed Strategies for Change

To effectively combat MASH and mitigate this growing public health concern by 2030, the experts propose a series of actionable steps. These include routine screening for high-risk populations, integrating liver testing into standard health check-ups, revising reimbursement policies, and fostering collaborations across various medical disciplines, including primary care, endocrinology, cardiology, and patient advocacy groups.

Addressing Stigma Surrounding Liver Diseases

Alongside these medical recommendations, over 40 specialists have introduced the People-First Liver Charter in Nature Medicine, which aims to eliminate the stigma often associated with liver diseases. This initiative encourages a shift towards a more person-centered approach in healthcare, emphasizing respect and empathy while addressing health inequities. The charter has garnered support from more than 70 organizations.

Current Landscape of Liver Disease in Spain

A policy brief focusing on Spain highlights the alarming rise in liver disease cases, projecting that the number of individuals living with MASLD could increase from 8 million in 2021 to 12.7 million by 2030, representing 27.6% of the population. The estimated cases of MASH are also forecasted to rise significantly, leading to a doubling of related mortality by 2030.

Experts warn that the direct healthcare costs associated with liver diseases could surge from $1.48 billion in 2021 to an estimated $3.5 billion by 2040, necessitating a comprehensive national strategy led by the Ministry of Health. This strategy would involve the creation of a MASLD registry, inclusion of the disease in key health indicators, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and improved community-based services.

Global Health Strategies Needed

Despite affecting over 1.5 billion people globally, chronic liver disease has been largely overlooked in global strategies aimed at addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs scheduled for September 2025, there is a pressing need to integrate chronic liver diseases into international health policies and clinical practices.