Global and national leaders call attention to the growing impact of liver disease
Zagreb, Croatia – February 25, 2026 – National health leaders, patient advocates, clinicians, and international experts convened in Zagreb this week for the Croatia Roundtable on Liver Health, a high-level dialogue focused on strengthening the recognition of liver disease as a core public health priority.
The Roundtable was organized by Global Liver Institute (GLI) and Croatian Society for Liver diseases “Hepatos”, bringing together stakeholders to address the full spectrum of liver diseases – including viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, liver cancer, and Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) – and their growing health and economic burden across Europe.
“Liver disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable mortality worldwide, yet it continues to be overlooked in public health agendas and NCD frameworks,” states Larry R. Holden, President & CEO of Global Liver Institute. “This Croatia Roundtable marks the first of a global series of roundtables aimed at underscoring the urgent need for integrated policies that address prevention, early detection, stigma reduction, and equitable access to care for all people at risk.”
While addressing liver disease broadly, the discussion also underscored the accelerating impact of metabolic risk factors on liver health. As part of its global advocacy efforts, Global Liver Institute continues to lead international engagement to elevate metabolic liver health and advance policy recognition of Steatotic Liver Disease within NCD strategies.
This work has contributed to growing international momentum within the World Health Organization framework, including collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt to advance global recognition of SLD. These efforts now support the forthcoming Resolution on Steatotic Liver Disease to be considered at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in May.
“Liver disease carries not only a serious health burden but also moral stigma, which often prevents people from seeking care early. Society Hepatos, with national and international visibility, works to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and ensure that liver health, including the growing burden of SLD, is prioritized as a public health issue, supporting global initiatives such as the forthcoming WHA79 discussions. By empowering patients, promoting early detection, and ensuring timely care, we aim to make sure that no patient faces liver disease alone,” shares Tatjana Reic, MSc, Founder and President of Society Hepatos.
Stakeholders at the Roundtable recognized that the adoption of the Resolution would represent a pivotal milestone in aligning liver health with broader metabolic and NCD agendas, formally anchoring SLD within global prevention strategies.
As global leaders prepare for WHA79, GLI and Society Hepatos reaffirm their commitment to working with governments, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure that liver health – across all etiologies – is fully integrated into modern public health agendas.
“Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to improving outcomes for people with liver disease. Events like this Roundtable are vital because they bring together clinicians, policymakers, and civil society to share knowledge, coordinate action, and identify practical solutions. By working together, we can ensure patients are diagnosed early, receive the care they need, and ultimately reduce preventable complications while strengthening liver health across Croatia.” Prof. Dr.sc. Anna Mrzljak, keynote speaker at the roundtable.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI is a member of the National Health Council and NORD, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org.
About The Croatian Society for the Liver Diseases “Hepatos”
The Croatian Society for the Liver Diseases “Hepatos” is a non-profit organization founded in 2000. It was the first organization in Croatia to provide assistance to patients with hepatitis and other liver diseases. As stated in their mission statement, Hepatos aims to “prevent the emergence and spread of disease, reduce discrimination, and raise the quality of life of the affected and their families by following high standards of action”.