World Liver Day 2023 Observed globally on 19 April
World Liver Day 2023: On April 19, World Liver Day is observed to increase awareness about liver-related diseases. One of the most complex organs in the human body is the liver. 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. On this day, numerous awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and health initiatives are expected to be organised around the world to promote liver health and the avoidance of liver disorders.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Liver Day 2023: Theme
This year’s World Liver Day theme 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 gives an opportunity to educate the public about lifestyle changes that can help prevent liver illnesses, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, avoiding excessive alcohol use, and receiving hepatitis vaccination.
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 first formally observed on April 19, 2012, and has grown in popularity since then. To honour World Liver Day, different health organisation, hospitals, and liver treatment institutes organise a variety of programmes and activities.
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 liver inflammation. Hepatitis is classified into numerous forms, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common causes of liver cancer are hepatitis B and C.
- Fatty liver disease: Fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in the liver. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excessive alcohol use can all contribute to it.
- 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 disorders occur when the immune system of the body 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.