Liver Foundation Welcomes WHO Resolution on Steatotic Liver Disease
Liver Foundation welcomes the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) landmark resolution recognising steatotic liver disease as a critical and previously under-addressed component of the global noncommunicable disease (NCD) response.
As Australia’s peak body for liver health, we strongly support the WHO’s call for coordinated, system-wide action. In Australia, the urgency is clear: steatotic liver disease (commonly known as fatty liver disease) affects approximately 1 in 3 Australian adults, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions in the country.
A growing but under-recognised crisis
Steatotic liver disease is often silent in its early stages but can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, conditions that are already placing significant strain on Australia’s health system.
Despite its scale and impact, steatotic liver disease remains underdiagnosed, underfunded, and under-prioritised in national health strategies.
Aligning with WHO priorities
We support the WHO’s emphasis on:
- Integrating steatotic liver disease into national NCD strategies
- Addressing shared risk factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol use
- Strengthening early detection, prevention, and primary care responses
- Improving data collection, awareness, and health system capacity
These priorities are directly relevant to Australia and align with the need for a more coordinated national response.
Equity and prevention must be central
We echo WHO’s concern about rising rates of liver disease among children and young people. Prevention, through healthier food environments, increased physical activity, and reduced harmful alcohol use, must be central to policy responses.
Efforts must also address inequities, ensuring that all Australians, including those in rural and underserved communities, have access to early diagnosis and care.
Our commitment
Liver Foundation is committed to working with government, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities to:
- Raise awareness of liver health
- Improve early detection and care pathways
- Advocate for evidence-based policy and investment
- Support Australians living with liver disease
The WHO resolution is a critical step forward. Australia now has an opportunity and responsibility to act decisively.
Without action, the burden of liver disease will continue to grow. With coordinated national leadership, we can prevent disease progression, reduce health system costs, and improve the lives of millions of Australians.
For information and support for people living with steatotic liver disease (MAFLD) please visit www.liver.org.au.
For details of the WHO announcement can be found here.
More information about fatty liver disease can be found here.
