In September, Christoph Benn participated in a UN General Assembly (UNGA) in NYC at an event called MASLD and MASH: Prioritizing a global public health threat.
The event focused on addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) as global health threats that affect millions worldwide.
MASLD is a spectrum of liver diseases estimated to affect one in three adults worldwide. Most people will never experience symptoms. But the more advanced form, MASH, can provoke life-threatening complications.
MASLD and MASH were highlighted as underrepresented non-communicable diseases requiring more attention and funding.
- Importance was placed on viewing MASLD and MASH alongside major NCDs in terms of regulatory attention and funding.
- Discussion included the need for targeted approaches on prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and management of MASLD and MASH.
- The availability of data and evidence for evidence-based policy-making and advocacy for action was emphasized.
- The necessity of WHO action on MASLD and MASH, integrating policies to reduce contributors to these diseases, was explored.
- Feedback from advocacy and patient groups was discussed for integration into policy-making.
The event concluded with a focus on the social and economic consequences of neglecting MASLD and MASH, emphasizing the urgency for action and collaboration in addressing these health issues.
Key speakers included experts in global health policy, liver diseases, health care financing, obesity, and public health.
- H.E. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, minister of public health, Qatar
- David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, director general, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran
- Christoph Benn, director for global health diplomacy, Joep Lange Institute
- Jeffrey V. Lazarus, head of public health liver group, ISGlobal; professor of global health, CUNY SPH; chair, Healthy Livers Healthy Lives Coalition
- Johanna Ralston, chief executive, World Obesity Federation
- Arun J. Sanyal, director, Stravitz-Sanyal institute for liver disease and metabolic health, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
