World Liver Day 2023 Observed globally on 19 April

World Liver Day 2023

World Liver Day is observed on April 19 in order to raise awareness about liver-related diseases. The liver is one of the most complex organs in the human body. It plays a pivotal role in our body’s immunity, digestion and metabolism. Plus, it also carries out the filtration of toxins, stores vitamins and minerals, and produces bile, among other functions. It is likely that there will be various awareness campaigns, educational programs, and health initiatives organized around the world on this day to promote liver health and prevention of liver diseases.

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World Liver Day 2023: Theme

The theme for this year’s World Liver Day is “Be vigilant, do a regular liver check-up, fatty liver can affect anyone.” This theme urges everyone to get regular liver check-ups, irrespective of the risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and excess consumption of alcohol.

World Liver Day 2023: Significance

The significance of World Liver Day is to raise awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of liver diseases, as well as the importance of early detection and treatment. This day provides an opportunity to educate the public on lifestyle modifications that can help prevent liver diseases, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis.

Moreover, World Liver Day also serves as a reminder to policymakers and healthcare providers about the need to prioritize liver health in public health programs and policies. With the increasing burden of liver diseases worldwide, it is essential to improve access to healthcare services, promote research on liver diseases, and increase public awareness about the importance of liver health.

World Liver Day 2023: History

World Liver Day was established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to emphasise the need for liver disease awareness and the investment of resources in liver disease research. It was officially celebrated for the first time on April 19, 2012, and has gained traction ever since. Every year, numerous health organisations, hospitals, and liver treatment centres organise various programs and activities to commemorate World Liver Day.

What is Liver?

The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, responsible for many functions essential to the body’s overall health. The liver is involved in digestion, metabolism, hormone production, and detoxification. It produces bile, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the liver processes nutrients and regulates blood sugar levels. It also helps to remove toxins, waste products, and old red blood cells from the body.

Several diseases can affect the liver, including:

Hepatitis: Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. There are several types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease: Fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in the liver. It can be caused by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a severe and irreversible liver disease that occurs when healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. It is often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections, and other chronic liver diseases.
Liver cancer: Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. It can be primary, meaning it starts in the liver, or secondary, meaning it spreads to the liver from other parts of the body.
Autoimmune liver diseases: Autoimmune liver diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks the liver. Examples include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

It is essential to maintain a healthy liver by adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and getting regular check-ups to detect and treat liver diseases early.

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