World Liver Day 2024- History, Theme, Significance

World Liver Day is a healthcare event celebrated every year on 19 April. It raises awareness about numerous disorders related to the liver, the second-largest and second-most complicated organ in our bodies. The liver is responsible for carrying out multiple vital tasks relating to immunity, metabolism, digestion, and the storage of nutrients within the body. However, being negligent can easily hamper its functioning and health. Therefore, World Liver Day aims to bring this issue to the limelight. In this blog, we will explore the history, theme, and significance of World Liver Day.

Name of the day	World Liver Day
Observed on	April 19
Reason	To increase awareness about liver-related disorders.
Theme 2024	Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Ups and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases

History of World Liver Day

• The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) established World Liver Day in 2010.
• EASL declared April 19 as the official day for celebrating World Liver Day.
• This date commemorates the founding of EASL in 1966.  

What is the Theme of World Liver Day 2024?

The theme of World Liver Day 2024 is, ”Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Ups and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases”. It subtly highlights the importance of regular health check-ups to ensure your holistic well-being. By staying active and taking charge of our health, we can prevent numerous health issues and live a happy and healthy life. 

Also Read: Rare Disease Day: History, Theme, Importance, and Significance

Why do we Celebrate World Liver Day?

• The goal of World Liver Day is to raise awareness of liver-related diseases and to promote liver health.
• Examining the function of the liver, a few severe liver diseases, typical signs of liver diseases, management of liver disorders, and prevention of liver disorders.
• Once the disease is quite advanced and the liver is damaged, a liver disease normally doesn’t show any overt signs or symptoms. Possible symptoms at this point include anorexia, weight loss, and jaundice.
• Every year on April 19, the world observes World Liver Day (WLD), a day set aside to promote awareness of liver disease among the general population.
• The events held on this health awareness day are planned in collaboration with associations of numerous worldwide and local governmental organizations.
• On International Liver Day, the emphasis is on initiatives that inform the public about the seriousness, early detection, and prevention of liver diseases.
• Despite the liver’s remarkable capacity for self-healing, which allows it to grow or regenerate after suffering damage of up to 60 to 70%, any anomalies in the liver could have a major negative impact on one’s health.

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What is the Importance of World Liver Day?

Cirrhosis-related causes account for just half of the 20 lakh deaths per year from liver illnesses worldwide; the remainder is attributable to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma. Cirrhosis and liver cancer together account for 3.5% of all fatalities (deaths) globally, with cirrhosis now ranking as the 11th major cause of death internationally and liver cancer ranking as the 16th major cause (globally) and 10th (in India) respectively. There are 200 million drinkers worldwide, of whom 7.5 to 10 million are at risk for liver disease brought on by alcohol. In addition, 40 crore individuals have diabetes and 200 crore adults are obese or overweight, which are risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), respectively.

Although viral hepatitis is still quite common worldwide, drug-induced liver damage is now the main cause of acute hepatitis. By 2030, there will be 35% more new cases per year than there were in 2005. Lack of knowledge regarding the gravity of the disease, associated risk factors, and prevention is the cause of the increase in the numbers. On this day, leaders in the hepatological community, including private hepatologists and hepato-oncologists, and healthcare officials, speak to the public about the danger of liver disease and ways to prevent it, such as dietary changes and way of life adjustments. World Liver Day also gives participants the chance to learn more about the signs and symptoms of liver disease and the significance of early detection, as the majority of liver disorders are asymptomatic.

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Significance of World Liver Day

The day is crucial since liver issues are India’s 10th most common cause of mortality. Also, the day is devoted to educating people about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding greasy and oily foods to protect their livers. There were many issues related to liver function after the pandemic, including appetite loss, stomach pain, jaundice, weight loss, etc. Since the liver is so important to the digestive system, maintaining it is quite important. Thus, International Liver Day is a day to promote illness prevention through preventative measures and a balanced diet to maintain the liver.

Tips for Keeping Liver Healthy

Check out these tips for keeping your liver healthy:

• To maintain your liver healthy, consume a healthy, balanced diet and engage in frequent exercise.
• Consume food from each dietary group, including grains, proteins, dairy, fruits, veggies, and fats.
• Consume high-fiber foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-wheat bread, rice, and cereals.
• Say NO to drugs, alcohol, and smoking: The liver cells can be harmed or destroyed by drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Even avoid being a passive smoker.
• Before beginning any medication, speak with your doctor: The liver can easily be harmed when medications are taken wrongly or in the wrong mix.
• Be careful while using hazardous chemicals because they can harm liver cells. Examples of harmful chemicals include aerosols, cleaning supplies, and insecticides.
• Keep your weight stable because obesity can result in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Management and Prevention of Liver Diseases

A few dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and routine checkups are required for the management and prevention of liver illnesses. To address the problems of liver cirrhosis, surgery may occasionally be necessary. Some methods for preventing liver disease include:

• Reduce alcohol consumption or stop drinking altogether to slow or stop liver damage.
• Say no to drugs and smoking.
• Make sure that any body piercings or tattoos you get are done safely and with complete hygienic practices.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is important since being overweight or obese might increase your risk of developing significant liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and hepatitis.
• Since there are widely available vaccines for hepatitis A and B on the market, you should discuss getting immunized with your primary care physician.
• We should all follow the adage “prevention is better than cure” and get regular health checks. The finest “mantra” to avoid illnesses and maintain good health, happiness, and carefree living is this.
• So, the simplest and ostensibly most effective way to cure any ailment is through routine health checks.

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