Fight Against Liver Disease is Crucial

Fight Against Liver Disease: The Ghanaian Hub has placed significant importance on this year’s observance of World Liver Day, particularly in light of the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2020.

The figures reveal that liver disease-related deaths in Ghana reached 6,053, accounting for 3.46% of total deaths.

This statistic translates to an age-adjusted death rate of 36.74 per 100,000 of the population, ranking Ghana 35th globally.

What’s particularly alarming is the projection that liver conditions are anticipated to rise both in Ghana and worldwide over the coming years.

The liver serves multiple crucial functions, including energy production and the maintenance of essential chemical processes for sustaining life. Consequently, liver failure often results in an excessive build-up of fluid in the brain, leading to severe complications such as disorientation, mental confusion, seizures, and other life-threatening conditions.

According to the Journal of Hepatology’s latest update in 2023, liver disease accounts for two million deaths annually worldwide, representing four percent of all deaths, with approximately two-thirds occurring in men. Viral hepatitis, alcohol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are cited as the most common causes of liver diseases or cirrhosis globally.

Scientific literature underscores the liver’s paramount importance in the human body, encompassing functions such as metabolism, digestion, immunity, toxin filtration, and storage of essential nutrients.

Despite its remarkable ability to regenerate up to 60 to 70 percent after damage, any abnormalities in the liver can lead to serious health complications. Hence, World Liver Day was instituted to raise awareness about liver diseases among the general public. Established by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) on April 19, 2010, the day is commemorated annually on April 19 in collaboration with various international and local organizations to promote awareness, early detection, and prevention of liver disease.

As the world marks World Liver Day under the theme “Be vigilant, get regular liver check-ups and prevent fatty liver diseases,” the Ghanaian Hub urges citizens, especially health authorities and policymakers, to renew their commitment to liver disease prevention in the country.

It is crucial to emphasize the socioeconomic impact of chronic liver disorders on both household and national levels and the imperative of intensifying education on prevention measures to avert any upsurge in liver disease cases.

In this regard, the Ghanaian Hub calls on the public to adopt a conscious and healthy lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a nutritious diet, and abstaining from alcohol. Furthermore, individuals should only take prescribed medications and adhere to recommended dosages, avoiding self-medication.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are urged to step up education initiatives on liver conditions while implementing measures to bring screening facilities closer to citizens for early detection. Notably, certain liver disorder like hepatitis B are preventable through vaccination, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.

Let us not allow liver disorder to become a burden; let us combat them proactively and decisively.