LiverWELL welcomes WHO draft resolution recognising steatotic liver disease as a significant public health concern

LiverWELL welcomes the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board’s draft resolution recognising steatotic liver disease, including metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), as a significant and overlooked component of the global non‑communicable disease (NCD) response. This proposed resolution is an important milestone. It calls for the integration of liver health into national prevention, early detection, and management strategies, addressing a long‑standing gap in global public health planning. Importantly, it reflects growing international recognition that liver disease, including MASLD and metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH), requires coordinated action across primary care, public health, and community settings.

MASLD affects one in three Australians, and millions of people world-wide. LiverWELL launched the MASLD action network in March 2025, bringing together experts who are committed to making the condition an Australian public health priority. We share knowledge, generate resources and collaborate on projects to raise the national profile of MASLD, and work towards better quality of life and health system experiences of affected Australians.

MASLD is closely connected to rising rates of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver and other cancers. Strengthening early detection and ensuring equitable access to preventive and clinical care are essential to improving outcomes and reducing avoidable deaths.

LiverWELL supports efforts to embed liver health within the broader NCD agenda and welcomes the WHO’s leadership in elevating the visibility of MASLD globally. We also acknowledge the sustained advocacy that has contributed to this moment.

We look forward to continuing our collaborations with government, clinicians, researchers, and community organisations to ensure that liver health remains a priority in Australia’s public health strategy.

Read the WHO draft resolution here: Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD): A Missing Piece in the Global NCD Response

Read more about LiverWELL’s work on MASLD here: Making MASLD an Australian Public Health Priority – LiverWELL